Leadership perceptions of nurse practitioners.

Education in leadership principles is included in Master's Degree programs for nurse practitioners (NPs). NPs have an opportunity to be leaders in a variety of roles and to make major decisions within their profession and within the healthcare system. NPs' collaboration with nursing professionals, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals--including clients and families--demonstrate their expanded practice. The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of leadership by Master's-prepared NPs and determine if they are providing leadership in practice. There has been minimal research to evaluate whether NPs graduating from Master's programs are effectively using leadership skills in their practice. Master's Degree education has a strong focus on leadership and, combined with the need for lower cost of healthcare, NPs have the potential to provide important leadership and cost savings to the healthcare delivery system.