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There are 3 modules in this course
Nursing Leadership: Strategy and Decision-Making equips nurse leaders with the tools to think strategically and make informed, high-impact decisions in complex healthcare settings. Learners will explore the core principles of strategic planning, apply structured decision-making frameworks to real clinical and organizational challenges, and develop a basic strategic plan aimed at improving quality, safety, and patient outcomes.
In this course, you’ll move beyond theory and build a practical leadership toolkit that includes frameworks like DESC, SBAR, and Root Cause Analysis. Through short videos, real-world case scenarios, hands-on practice, and guided coaching, you’ll learn to apply structured communication, lead collaborative problem-solving, and model accountability—even in the toughest team moments. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to lead your team with clarity, empathy, and resilience—no matter the tension in the room.
In this foundational lesson, learners will explore the core principles of strategic planning as applied in nursing leadership roles. Guided by real-world examples from experienced nurse executives, the lesson examines the importance of aligning unit-level goals with broader healthcare objectives. Learners will analyze tools such as SWOT analysis and strategic mapping to understand how planning decisions influence patient outcomes, resource allocation, and organizational alignment. This lesson sets the groundwork for building strategic thinking capabilities essential for high-impact nursing leadership.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 12 minutes
Introduction and Welcome•4 minutes
Structuring Accountability in Strategic Nurse Leadership•4 minutes
Building Cross-Unit Accountability: From Silos to System Thinking in Nursing Leadership•5 minutes
2 readings•Total 13 minutes
Welcome to the Course: Course Overview•5 minutes
From Strategic Intention to Measurable Action: Using SMART and SWOT in Nursing Leadership•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
HOL: Develop a Strategic Nursing Leadership Objective Using SMART + SWOT•10 minutes
Lesson 2: Decision-Making Models to Tackle Complex Nursing Challenges
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
This lesson equips nurse leaders with structured, evidence-based frameworks to navigate complex clinical and operational decisions with clarity and confidence. Drawing on real-world healthcare scenarios, learners will examine how to enhance judgment, reduce bias, and improve team alignment. Nurse executives will model how to apply these frameworks during high-stakes situations such as staffing shortages, patient safety crises, and system-wide policy implementation. Learners will assess decision quality, analyze contributing variables, and create actionable strategies that prioritize patient outcomes, staff wellbeing, and organizational sustainability.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 8 minutes
Making Decisions When It Matters Most: Structured Frameworks in Action•4 minutes
Making High-Stakes Decisions Under Pressure•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 6 minutes
Thinking Like a Nurse: Applying Tanner’s Model to Strengthen Clinical Judgment•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
HOL: Apply a Structured Decision-Making Model to a Real-World Nursing Challenge•10 minutes
Lesson 3: Building Strategic Plans That Elevate Nursing Practice and Patient Outcomes
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
This lesson equips nurse leaders with foundational skills to design strategic plans that advance quality, safety, and outcomes in healthcare settings. Learners will explore how to align nursing initiatives with organizational priorities, translate frontline challenges into strategic goals, and apply tools like SWOT and logic models to structure their plans. The lesson also addresses stakeholder engagement, resource alignment, and measurable indicators of success. Drawing on examples from nursing directors and VPs, learners will see how strategic planning transforms vision into impact—empowering teams and driving sustainable improvements across units.
What's included
3 videos1 reading3 assignments
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 9 minutes
From Vision to Action: Crafting Nursing Strategies That Deliver Results•4 minutes
Blueprint for Impact: Creating Strategic Plans That Elevate Patient Care•4 minutes
Congratulations and Continuous Learning Journey•2 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Planning with Purpose: Key Components of a Nursing Strategic Plan•5 minutes
3 assignments•Total 60 minutes
HOL: Strategic Planning Lab: Drafting Your Unit’s Plan for Impact•10 minutes
Project: Create Your Strategic Leadership Blueprint for Impact•40 minutes
Assessment•10 minutes
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