Nursing Leadership

Abstract

Historically, the nurse leader's role in ambulatory care has been ill-defined or nonexistent. As health care continues to move from the hospital to the clinic, ambulatory nurse leaders are rising to the challenge as their roles expand beyond that of a traditional nursing role. This article explores the experiences of ambulatory chief nursing officers and nursing directors in a network of 22 medical groups with over 1000 clinics across seven states. In a qualitative study, the authors explore critical drivers to successfully leading in the ambulatory care setting as a nurse leader. Nurses have a unique ability to connect with others to influence change and ensure quality, safety, and clinical outcomes are at the forefront of decision-making. Nurse leaders must develop change management, influential and inspirational leadership, business acumen, and executive presence to effectively advocate for a change in preconceived notions of nursing in ambulatory care. Ambulatory nursing leadership has the opportunity and the duty to advocate for nursing practice and change in healthcare through authentic connections and relationships.