Financial Management - Online Course

As part of the Director-Level Nurse Leadership Program, this course prepares nurse leaders to understand how regulations, payment systems, and financial principles influence budgeting, staffing decisions, and organizational risk. Learners explore financial foundations, productivity measures, operating and capital budgeting, and common financial challenges that affect leadership decisions. The emphasis is on building confidence to interpret financial information, ask the right questions, and make decisions that support both patient care and organizational sustainability.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

This course prepares nurse leaders to understand how regulations, payment systems, and financial principles influence budgeting, staffing decisions, and organizational risk. Learners will explore financial foundations, budgeting approaches, productivity considerations, and common challenges that affect day-to-day leadership decisions. The emphasis is on building judgment and confidence to engage in financial discussions and make informed decisions that support quality care and sustainability.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. State and Federal Regulation
1. Explain the sources of Federal and State laws or legislation.
2. Discuss the legislative process in healthcare rule making and legislation as it relates to state and federal government.
3. Describe the mission and regulatory role of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
4. 4Interpret how major healthcare legislation, regulations, and payment systems influence healthcare delivery, reimbursement, and professional practice.
2. Financial Foundations for Nurse Leaders
1. Explain how organizational mission and underlying budget assumptions shape financial priorities and decision-making.
2. Describe common budget development methodologies used in healthcare organizations.
3. Identify common financial management challenges and proactive strategies to be successful in managing financial pressures in a nursing leadership role.
3. Evaluating Productivity
1. Explain productivity monitoring, including its rationale, benefits, common challenges, and implications for nurse administrators.
2. Critique common productivity measures by identifying their strengths, the key questions they answer, and their limitations.

USER EXPERIENCE CONSIDERATIONS

This course is designed for ease of use and enhanced accessibility, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Every slide includes a written transcript, and all content is fully voiced (both human and professional AI-generated voices) over with optional closed captions for flexibility. The Notepad feature allows you to take, save, and export notes anytime. Other course features include:

• Resume Function – Save progress and resume where you left off.
• Resources Tab – Access, save, or print references, author bios, and supplemental materials.
• Tech Help Tab – Quickly contact Sigma’s support team if needed.
• Menu & Transcript Tabs – Track progress and read along with narration.
• Customizable Playback Speed – Adjust speed from 0.25x to 2x.
• Additional Settings – Control volume, captions, and keyboard shortcuts for a personalized experience.

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.

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.

AUTHORS BY SECTION

State and Federal Regulation
Rose Constantino, PhD, JD, MN, BSN, FAAN, FACFE

Financial Foundations for Nurse Leaders
Elizabeth A. Carlson, PhD, MSN, RN

Evaluating Productivity
Mikel Hand, EdD, RN, OCN, NEA-BC

Operating Budgets
Susan J. Penner, RN, MN, MPA, DrPH, CNL

Capital Budgeting
Dian Adams, DNP, RN, NEA
Jane D. Englebright, PhD, RN, CENP, FAAN