By Denise Danna, DNS, RN, CNAA-BC, FACHE

For a nurse manager to be successful in today's healthcare environment, mastery of basic business skills is essential. No longer are nurse managers expected to be clinical experts but, instead, must be equipped and skillful in "running their business." Each nursing unit is a component of a larger organization that depends on qualified nurses to manage the business and to understand the "big" picture. Nurse managers are the change agents and leaders in improving the work environment where nurses practice, so it is essential that they have the required skills.

What are the essential business skills?

As you think about business skills, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the budget or the finances, but business skills include so much more. Business skills frequently include human resources, strategic planning, and systems thinking, to name a few.

The following three categories identify several of the business skills that are essential for nurse managers:

• Financial management
• Human resources
• Strategic management

For more of Denise's article, visit our Reading Room.

A New York Times editorial by Teri Mills, RN, MS, ANP, CNE, that called for a national nurse position, resonated with the public, sparked a federal bill, and galvanized opposition from established nursing organizations.

http://include.nurse.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071109/NATIONAL02/711190301/-1/frontpage

What do you think of Mills' proposal to create a National Nurse?

For more interesting reading on the subject check out www.stressedoutnurses.com:

http://www.stressedoutnurses.com/content/67730/topic/WS_SON_1cc.html