Setting the Research Agenda for Nursing Administration and Leadership Science: A Delphi Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize research topics for nursing administration and leadership science. BACKGROUND Nursing administration and leadership research priorities should provide a framework for building the science needed to inform practice. METHODS The Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN) and American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Foundation (AONL-F) for Nursing Leadership and Education collaborated on a Delphi study. Initial input on research priority items were received from ALSN and AONL members. National experts participated in a 3-round Delphi study. RESULTS Top-ranked priorities included: 1) nurses' health, well-being, resiliency, and safety in the workplace; 2) developing and managing a nursing workforce to meet current and future healthcare needs; 3) healthy work/practice environments for direct care nurses; 4) healthy work/ practice environments for nurse leaders; 5) quantification of nursing's value across the healthcare delivery system; and 6) nurse leader development and essential competencies. CONCLUSIONS Researchers and funders should use these priorities to guide future studies.