Director-Level Nurse Leadership Program - Online Course

The Director-Level Nurse Leadership Program prepares nurse leaders to operate effectively in complex healthcare environments where clinical outcomes, workforce stability, financial performance, and organizational priorities intersect. Designed for nurses currently in leadership roles or preparing to step into director-level positions, this program focuses on the decisions, responsibilities, and expectations that define leadership at this level.

Across seven courses, learners examine how regulations, financial systems, organizational structures, workforce dynamics, and performance improvement processes shape day-to-day leadership decisions. The program emphasizes practical application—helping leaders interpret data, navigate competing priorities, lead teams through change, and communicate effectively across disciplines. Rather than focusing on theory alone, the program builds judgment and confidence. Learners will be better prepared to engage in financial and operational discussions, lead improvement efforts, support workforce performance, and make decisions that balance patient care, staff needs, and organizational sustainability.

Courses may be taken individually or as a complete program, allowing learners to focus on specific skill areas or develop a comprehensive leadership foundation.

To earn a program certificate of completion, learners must pass a 25-question post-assessment with a score of 80% or higher. This assessment evaluates the learning objectives across all course sections. Additional resources, including websites, documents, and tools, are available throughout the course. These materials are linked within the slides and course player for further exploration and deeper understanding of the content.

This program will expire 1 April 2029.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

At the director level, expectations change. You are no longer responsible only for your team—you are accountable for outcomes, performance, and decisions that affect the broader organization.

This program helps you:
Make stronger decisions under pressure — Understand how financial, operational, and regulatory factors influence what you are expected to do—and why.
Engage confidently in leadership discussions — Contribute meaningfully to conversations about budgets, performance, strategy, and change.
Lead teams more effectively — Build stable, accountable teams and address workforce challenges with practical, actionable approaches.
Use data to guide improvement — Move beyond reacting to problems and use performance data to identify gaps and lead meaningful change.
Navigate complexity without losing focus on care — Balance patient outcomes, staff experience, and organizational priorities in real-world situations.
Prepare for or succeed in director-level roles — Develop the judgment, perspective, and leadership approach expected at higher levels of responsibility.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Courses in this program include:

1. Financial Management
1. State and Federal Regulation
2. Financial Foundations for Nurse Leaders
3. Evaluating Productivity
4. Operating Budgets
5. Capital Budgeting
2. Nursing Operations: Structure, Preparedness, and Community
1. Organizational Structure and Leadership Implications
2. Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Leadership
3. Community Health, Health Disparities, and Policy Influence
3. Workforce Management
1. Recruitment and Workforce Planning
2. Performance Management and Accountability
3. Orientation and Onboarding
4. Staff Development and Retention
5. Conflict and Relationship Management
4. Performance Improvement
1. Performance Improvement, Safety, and Outcomes
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Project Management
4. Strategic Planning
5. Business Planning
1. Business Planning
6. Leadership and Change Management
1. Leadership Effectiveness
2. Being a Change Agent
3. Change Management
4. Strategies for Impactful Meetings
7. Professional Practice and Development
1. Professional Certification and Development
2. Professional Practice Models

CONTENT REVIEWERS

Kari Goerke, EdD, MS, RN, NEA-BC
Dr. Goerke holds a BS in Nursing, a Master’s in Nursing Administration, and an EdD in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Healthcare Administration. With over 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare, she has served as an educator, director, service line leader, and nurse executive. Her expertise includes organizational management, staff development, change management, clinical excellence, patient safety, and strategic planning. Dr. Goerke teaches graduate nursing students and directs the MS in Nursing Leadership in Healthcare program.

Michael Cooper, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CCRN, HACP-CMS, ACUE
Dr. Michael Cooper, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CCRN, HACP-CMS, ACUE is an executive nurse leader with over 35 years of nursing experience, including 28 years in the United States Army Nurse Corps. He has served in traditional nurse executive leadership positions in critical care, from the bedside to Chief Nursing Officer, across inpatient and outpatient care settings, with a wide variety of additional skill sets, including Veteran Affairs Liaison, Telehealth, Inspector General, and Healthcare Recruiting. Dr. Cooper serves as an Assistant Professor of Nursing, Arkansas State University, in the Traditional BSN/Accelerated Program of Nursing.

Jason King, DNP, RN, CENP, FAONL
Jason King, DNP, RN, CENP, FAONL is a Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer. In healthcare for 21 years, Jason received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from the Indiana University School of Nursing. Receiving fourteen awards for nursing excellence since 2002, this year, Jason was inducted as a Fellow into the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Jason is an active participant in seven organizations/boards and has twice been published in Simulation Research.