Kenneth F . Garrison , Jr . Mary - Michael Brown Christine

246 W ITH OVER 3 MILLION nurses nationwide (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2008), the potential of nurses to influence and shape health care is unparalleled. Yet, a 2010 survey of 1,504 opinion leaders from government, health services, industry, and education reminds us that, though highly trusted, nurses are not viewed as important decision makers or revenue generators, particularly in comparison to physicians (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation [RWJF], 2010). Anec dotally, one of the most common concerns voiced by nurses is the feeling of being left out of the decision-making process – particularly during planning. In the words of one noteworthy physician, “...it is essential that we do more to support nurses taking on leadership positions and ensure that they have a place and a voice at decision-making tables” (RWJF, 2010, p. 1). During the last decade, doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs have emerged to fill a vital role – developing leaders in health care. The terminal DNP degree, a nonresearch clinical doctorate, is focus ed on developing experts in nursing “practice” (American As sociation of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2006). Today, over 217 DNP programs are enrolling students. Trends show continued program growth with 97 programs in development (AACN, 2013). Health care has become in creasingly complex and turbulent. Faculty teaching in DNP programs face the challenges and opportunities of developing nurse leaders who are clinical experts with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to tackle complex issues related to health systems management, knowledge and data management, technology, clinical re search, quality improvement, and public policy. The George Washington Uni vers ity (GW) School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Program, a lead er in distance education, affords students the op portunity to earn a general de gree or one focused on education, executive leadership, health care quality, palliative care or the family specialty for nurse practitioners. All GW DNP students are re quired to take the “Health Enter prise” course to ac quire the strategic planning skills vital in an ever-changing, complex health environment. Executive EXECUTIVE SUMMARY