Educating nurse administrators

There are startling changes occurring in the Canadian health care system as it restructures to new realities. The need for well-prepared nursing leaders has never been more evident. This article focuses on the importance of improved educational preparation for nurse administrators/executives. The authors reviewed 91 North American university calendars to determine existing educational programs. Administrators and educators must collaborate to develop educational programs that adequately prepare graduates to function within the changing health care system. To date, there is little evidence that this collaboration has taken place. In this article, the writers outline a proposed model and suggestions for a graduate education program in "nursing administration" that will meet the unique needs of today's nurse administrator/executive.