Dissertation
A targeted intervention to improve professional development in nurse leaders
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
07 Mar 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011359
Abstract
Nurse leaders play a vital role in supporting organizational performance, staff engagement, and quality patient outcomes; however, many healthcare organizations lack structured and accessible professional development (PD) opportunities for frontline nurse leaders. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether a short, structured PD program could improve nurse leaders' perceived value of professional development, satisfaction with learning experiences, and engagement in leadership development activities. This project was conducted at a 1,200-bed academic medical center and included a voluntary cohort of nurse leaders. Guided by Knowles' Adult Learning Theory and evaluated using the Kirkpatrick Model, the intervention consisted of a three-week multimodal PD series incorporating didactic learning, individualized coaching, and peer reflection aligned with the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) "Leader Within" competency. Evaluation measures included session surveys using 5-point Likert scales to assess perceived value, satisfaction, engagement, feasibility, and sustainability. Participants consistently reported high agreement that the sessions were relevant to their leadership roles, addressed real leadership challenges, and enhanced the perceived value of professional development. Satisfaction and engagement remained high, and participants reported that the program was feasible within their workload. Qualitative feedback highlighted the importance of self-reflection, peer interaction, and a supportive environment for discussing leadership challenges. These findings suggest that brief, structured, multimodal PD programs are feasible, well-received, and may enhance engagement in leadership development among nurse leaders. Keywords: nurse leadership, professional development, leadership development, nurse leader, quality improvement
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Details
- Title
- A targeted intervention to improve professional development in nurse leaders
- Creators
- Janelle Harris - Drexel University, Doctoral Nursing
- Contributors
- Barbara Ruth Osborne (DNP Chair) - Drexel University, Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- 53 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctoral Nursing; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022181775304721