Moving From Patient Care to Population Health: A New Competency for the Executive Nurse Leader

There are many social, political, and economic influences shaping healthcare delivery today that are expanding the scope of responsibility for the executive nurse leader. The focal point of change is the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act (ACA), where there is a clear strategic shift to provide patient care in the right setting with the formation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Financial reimbursement strategies are being aligned to facilitate these changes. Executive nurse leaders are trying to navigate through these healthcare changes by developing cost-effective care delivery models, supporting the role of the professional and advanced practice nurse, and advocating for the patient. In healthcare reform, this translates to healthcare being delivered in community venues and the executive nurse leader being the advocate for the healthcare needs of the population in the community.