Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
8-4-2025
First Advisor
Lisa Drake
Second Advisor
Jacquie Sands
Abstract
This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed the critical underrepresentation of nurses on healthcare boards by implementing an evidence-based intervention to improve board readiness among emerging nurse leaders in Arkansas. The purpose of the project was to assess and enhance nurses’ self-perceived competencies in governance through a structured educational program and the SHIP-BC© readiness assessment tool. A quasi-experimental pre-post design was utilized with honorees from two leadership programs within a statewide nursing organization. Participants first completed the SHIP-BC© survey to establish baseline perceptions of board readiness across domains of analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Following a four-week microlearning board preparation series, post-intervention assessments measured changes in readiness. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in self-reported personal and interpersonal competencies among BSN Young Leader participants, with trending gains in analytical skills, supporting the intervention’s effectiveness in building confidence and skills critical for board service. No significant changes were observed in the 40 Under 40 cohort, highlighting the need for tailored strategies for experienced nurses. This project underscores the value of structured, evidence-informed training and readiness assessment in cultivating a pipeline of board-ready nurse leaders. Enhancing nurse participation in governance roles is essential to strengthen professional advocacy, advance health equity, and ensure nursing perspectives shape health policy decisions.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Cheryl Nikol, "Next-Gen Leaders: Cultivating Board Room Readiness for Emerging Nurse Professionals" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 127.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/127
