The next phase

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Nurse Leader is committed to improving the knowledge and development of leadership skills for our current and future cadre of nurse professionals. This April issue begins the expansion of that commitment to a larger global audience as we share knowledge from our colleagues throughout the world. Although we are just beginning to grow as an international journal, we are fortunate to have an inspiring interview with a nurse leader who is a pioneer for both patients and professionals in a previously war-torn country. Pamela Thompson, chief executive officer of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, interviews Branka Rimac. This dialogue reveals the courage, convictions, and impact that Branka has achieved in her native Croatia. In her role as president of the Croatia Nurses Association, Branka embodies what nursing leadership is all about.

We are also excited to have the innovative concepts of our colleagues in New Zealand. Frances Hughes, Jan Duke, Anita Bamford, and Cheryle Moss focus on the development and enhancement of the nurse leader's role as entrepreneur in policy development and implementation as well as strategic direction and management. These authors share with us the critical importance of making strategic alliances to achieve desired change.

We can learn a lot from our New Zealand nurse professionals. Development of methods to assist our nurse leaders in policy formation and strategic management should be a priority, strengthening our role as patient and organizational advocates. Since my doctorate is in executive management specializing in strategic management, it is a pleasure for me to see policy and strategy emerging as key leadership roles for nurses.

As we learn from others and they learn from us, the art and science of sharing is brought to fruition in a new column by Catherine Robinson-Walker. Cathy is an executive coach in health care and nursing, and she is an acknowledged leader in this field, earning the highest certification as a coaching professional. This column, “The Coaching Forum,” will invite readers to share questions and issues about leadership. We are interested in hearing from all of our readers, and we are especially interested in questions from nurses who are new to the field of leadership or to their roles. Cathy will respond as a coach and invite viewpoints from our advisory board or from me as the situation warrants. Readers can send questions or comments directly to cathy@leadershipstudio.com.

As we seek to expand our readership, sharing ideas and concepts, this April journal reflects our strategy to enhance knowledge and learning experiences. In the future, we will conduct a reader survey and address core issues as recommended by our readers and advisory board. After all, Nurse Leader is about each and every one of us.