Patterns of preparation. The nurse executive.

The contemporary nurse executive is a hybrid--a blend of nurse and businessperson. The type, nature, and quality of educational preparation will determine the effectiveness of the nurse executive and the influence and impact that person will have on the organization. In this article, the author highlights the scope of responsibility of the nurse executive, models for conceptualizing the role, and the essential skills. The need for quality graduate programs in Nursing Administration, closely articulated with business and management schools, is forwarded as essential to nursing's ability to prepare its own leaders.