Article: Aroh, D., Occhiuzzo, D., & Douglas, C. (2011). Blueprint for nursing leadership: Creating a culture of accountability. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 35(3): 189-196.

Big Idea: Hackensack University Medical Center was the second hospital in the U.S. to receive the Magnet designation. They have a true culture of nursing excellence leading to numerous other awards and stellar patient outcomes, as well. This article discusses their Blueprint for Nursing Leadership, a strategic document used to continuously guide their nursing care and leadership.

Survey Says!: Hackensack University Medical Center’s Blueprint for Nursing Leadership has helped the organization maintain Magnet recognition as well as win Consumer Choice Awards, numerous Health Grades awards for clinical outcomes, and many Joint Commission Gold Seals of Approval.

Quotable: “Change and innovation have been well recognized as the heart of nursing, and change challenges nurses by requiring transitions from the familiar and reliable to situations with different demands [reference]. Leaders are the catalysts of change by developing strategies and vision [reference]” (p. 190).

“Talent and engagement are fundamental to our philosophy of nonstop skill development and on-going learning. It is essential to ensure the agility needed to respond to the rapidly changing health care sector. It is our belief that there is a direct link between talent management and stellar quality outcomes, another being our recognition as one of America’s 50 best hospitals” (p. 194).

“Embedded in the ‘Blueprint for Nursing Leadership’ is the flexibility that allows the creation of a culture of learning; nonstop skill development goes beyond learning and development” (p. 194).

So What?: Other healthcare organizations can utilize the Blueprint for Nursing Leadership to enhance institutional leadership and improve patient outcomes. What may seem inherent may not be the case, so a strategic document detailing such plans and paths may provide clear direction to others.