Nursing Administration Degree as the Foundation of Practice for Future Nurse Managers

Throughout this article, the terms nurse leader and nurse manager refer specifically to a manager at the micro level consistent with the notion that “Nursing administration roles focus on the management of fiscal and human resources. Managers are the first- and middle-level administrators responsible for a specific clinical service or unit at the micro-system level.” 1(p.154) Thus, management includes the motivation, organization, and evaluation of human and material resources needed to attain goals. Formal leadership is the process of influencing others to achieve official goals within an organization. Finally, administration focuses on achieving the mission, vision, and values of an organization through delegated responsibility.2