Leadership Development in Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the impact of an active learning approach to leadership development in senior nursing students. Nursing students need leadership development to become better prepared for their role as leaders of care at the bedside of patients. The healthcare industry is becoming increasingly complex and requires students to have leadership skills to aide in executing proper provision of care. This study will attempt to assess the results of one of these programs. This study uses a pre- post-survey design to understand the outcomes associated with one nursing programs implementation of an active learning course on leadership within their undergraduate curriculum. Data for this study was collected via Qualtrics survey at the beginning and end of the semester a cohort of students from the Spring 2021. The course consists of active learning strategies such as experiential activities, group projects, and projects that required students to apply leadership concepts to their concurrent clinical setting. Approximately 110 students have completed surveys. Results: Preliminary results indicate that students improve in many aspects of leadership. The greatest growth appears to occur in students comfort participating in quality improvement principles and processes and understanding of effective leadership strategies. By measuring the outcomes of courses and programs designed to establish these skills we are able to contribute to the knowledge base of the most effective methods of educating nursing students on leadership.