The current era of health care reform in the United States
offers nurses new leadership opportunities. The Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, 2010) will bring
substantial changes to the U.S. health care system over the
next several years including a new emphasis on prevention
and expanding coverage to 32 million currently uninsured
Americans (Department of Health and Human Services
[DHHS], 2012). Leadership will be required at all levels of
the health care system to successfully implement the changes
outlined in the ACA and maximize their potential to improve
the health status of individuals. Nurses have the opportunity
to demonstrate their abilities to advocate, educate, and manage
change in a leadership role throughout the process of
reform