"If we don't keep our eyes on finances and how we're performing financially, the doors are not going to be open for us to be there to care for patients." — Vickie Swanson, MSN-HCSM, RN CENP, CNOR, chief nursing officer, Olympic Medical Center, Port Angeles, Washington

The nurse leader's role has evolved to require a greater hand in financial and business skills, particularly since they generally control the largest part of a hospital's labor budget.

For this week's lead story, I spoke with Vickie Swanson, MSN-HCSM, RN CENP, CNOR, chief nursing officer, Olympic Medical Center, Port Angeles, Washington, about why it's imperative that nurse leaders gain financial and business acumen.

Why Nurse Leaders Need to Become Financially Savvy

Sharper financial acumen gives nurse leaders a greater chance of getting what they need, CNO says.

CDC Funds Vanderbilt School of Nursing Informaticist's Research of the Nation's PPE Supply

Researcher's goals include eliminating the common problem of some hospitals having PPE surplus while neighboring hospitals scramble.

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Prior to the pandemic, healthcare systems were already working to balance daily clinical operations with competing events.

Looking Ahead: The Nursing Shortage Isn't Going Anywhere

Burnout, contract labor opportunities, family care, retirement, and more are intensifying the shortage, experts say.

3 Nursing Schools That Have Put Diversity and Inclusion at the Forefront

Strong diversity programs at the education level improve healthcare equity, research says.