Nurse leaders across the nation are called upon to
lead change and actively participate in the redesign
of our nations_ healthcare system.1 By virtue of their
years of experience, senior nurse leaders have the knowledge,
passion, and integrity to make a difference on
local, state, and national levels. Nurse leaders at the
executive level are able to influence the environment
in which nurses practice, whether their practice involves
care delivery, education, or management. Organizational
leaders are challenged to optimize productivity
and engagement of employees as demand for innovation
and flexibility continues.1 Senior nurse leaders
are responsible for the professional environment of
nursing. The effectiveness of the nurse leader affects
how nursing practice and nursing education are carried
out. They are positioned to convey a vision for a
preferred future that inspires creativity and makes
meaning of the continuous change and uncertainty
that characterizes healthcare reform and quality improvement
(QI).