Schedule an interview with the Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing, Nurse Manager or equivalent of a nurse in leadership position at a Healthcare Agency of your choice. It can be a hospital, major outpatient center, regulatory agency such as AHCA, Public Health Department or Hospice. Ask for a copy of the organizational chart so you can see how Nursing fits into the organization. Please follow this format in preparing the interview – writing responses below the question asked. I expect more than a few lines under each question – ask follow-up questions to elicit more information and use direct quotes when appropriate.
Add at least four additional questions of your own to this interview.
Questions
- How long have you been a Nurse Executive and what major changes have you seen in the Nurse Executive role over the past five years?
- What are the major challenges that you face in your role today as a Nurse Leader?
- In your opinion, what are the key competencies that Nursing Leaders at your level need today and what should the educational preparation be?
- What does it take to be an Employer of Choice for Nurses in today’s Healthcare Environment?
- Have you considered applying for Magnet Recognition (if not an option for the agency – just indicate non-applicable) – what are the pros and cons of this in your viewpoint?
- What changes if any will the Nursing Profession need to make to adapt to the Nursing Shortage?
- What should Nursing do to mentor younger nurses into leadership positions?
- What strengths do you bring to the Executive Leadership Team of your Healthcare Agency?
- What key committees/boards/groups does a Nurse Executive in your organization need to participate on to have major impact on decision making?
- What issues/ challenges keep you awake at night in your role?
- If you were asked to give advice to a Nurse just beginning her career in Nursing Leadership based on your own experiences, what would that advice be?