1. How long have you been a Nurse Executive and what major changes have you seen in the
Nurse Executive role over the past 3-5 years?
2. What are the major challenges that you face in your role today as a Nurse Executive?
3. In your opinion, what are the key competencies that Nursing Leaders at your level need
today and what should the educational preparation be?
4. What does it take to be an employer for nurses in today’s healthcare environment?
5. Have you considered applying for Magnet Recognition? What are the pros and cons of this, in
your viewpoint? (If already Magnet, write N/A)
6. If facility is Magnet status, what are the pros & cons about maintaining the recognition?
7. What changes, if any, will the nursing profession need to make to adapt to the nursing
shortage?
8. What should nurses do to mentor younger nurses into leadership positions?
9. What strengths do you bring to the Executive Leadership Team of your Healthcare Agency?
10. What key committees/boards/groups, etc. does a nurse executive in your organization need
to participate on in order to have a major impact on decision-making.
11. What issues/challenges keep you awake at night in your role?
12. If you were asked to give advice to a Nurse just beginning her career in Nursing Leadership
based on your own experiences, what would that advice be?
1. Length of Experience & Role Changes:
I’ve been a Nurse Executive for (number) years. Over the past 3-5 years, the role has become increasingly focused on (mention key changes, e.g., data-driven decision making, population health management, strategic partnerships with community organizations).
2. Major Challenges:
The major challenges I face include (list challenges, e.g., nurse staffing shortages, rising healthcare costs, implementing evidence-based practices, ensuring patient safety and quality care).
3. Key Competencies & Education:
Nurse Leaders need strong competencies in (list competencies, e.g., strategic planning, financial acumen, relationship building, communication, emotional intelligence). Educational preparation should include (mention relevant degrees, e.g., Master’s in Nursing Administration, Doctor of Nursing Practice).
4. Attracting & Retaining Nurses:
To be a competitive employer for nurses, we need to offer (mention strategies, e.g., competitive salaries and benefits, professional development opportunities, healthy work environments, recognition and appreciation programs).
5. Magnet Recognition (Consideration):
Yes, Magnet Recognition is under consideration. Pros include (mention benefits, e.g., attracting and retaining high-quality nurses, improved patient outcomes, national recognition). Cons include (mention drawbacks, e.g., time and resource commitment, ongoing maintenance requirements).
6. Magnet Recognition (Maintenance): (Not Applicable if not Magnet Recognized)
7. Adapting to Nurse Shortage:
The profession needs to (mention changes, e.g., promote flexible work arrangements, invest in nurse residency programs, advocate for fair compensation and working conditions, address workplace burnout).
8. Mentoring Younger Nurses:
Nurses can mentor younger nurses by (mention strategies, e.g., providing coaching and guidance, offering opportunities for professional development, sharing knowledge and experience, being a role model and advocate).
9. Strengths for Executive Leadership Team:
I bring strengths in (mention your strengths, e.g., strategic vision, financial management, relationship building, communication, fostering teamwork).
10. Key Committees/Groups for Impact:
To have a major impact, a Nurse Executive should participate in committees/boards like (mention relevant groups, e.g., Quality Improvement Committee, Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Nursing Practice Council).
11. Challenges That Keep You Up at Night:
The issues that keep me up at night are (mention concerns, e.g., ensuring adequate nurse staffing to deliver safe patient care, managing tight budgets in a changing healthcare landscape, keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies).
12. Advice for New Nurse Leaders:
Based on my experience, my advice to new Nurse Leaders is (mention advice, e.g., develop your leadership skills continuously, advocate for your patients and profession, build strong relationships with colleagues, embrace lifelong learning, find a mentor and be willing to mentor others).
Remember to tailor these answers to your specific experience and the healthcare organization you’re interviewing with.