It builds on awareness of the changes in healthcare organizations, delivery, and economics related to healthcare reforms. Nurses must understand what these changes mean, particularly in terms of the preservation of nursing's historical values and of the societal values for which nurses are responsible. In their role as patient advocate, nurses have an ethical obligation to protect the patient from unethical care and from exploitation for organizational gain. Development of theories and conceptual models in nursing are explored. Emphasis is on analysis and evaluation of theories and their application to advanced nursing practice.
Emphasis is on implications for nursing and healthcare systems.
Theoretical and philosophical concepts related to administrative behavior are examined. Discussion of nurse manager and nurse executive officer roles is included. Critical trends and crises in the current and emerging American healthcare delivery system are explored. Consideration is given to ethical issues, research trends, and political and legislative processes. Formation of healthcare policy within the healthcare industry and its impact on the consumer and provider will be examined.