Date of Award

Spring 2026

Project Type

Clinical Doctorate

College or School

CHHS

Program or Major

DNP

First Advisor

Cathleen Colleran

Second Advisor

Kelly Grady

Third Advisor

Holly McCormack

Abstract

Background: Healthcare is facing a significant nursing shortage. This shortage not only impacts bedside nurses but also nurse leaders. Succession planning is a method for recruiting, retaining, and building resilience among nurse leaders.

Purpose: This quality improvement project applied principles of succession planning, including leadership education, training, and assessment of leadership retention and resilience.

Methods: Two interventions were implemented in this quality improvement project. The first was an assessment of a modification in nursing leadership organizational structure that was made in 2024 with the purpose of improving succession planning. This evaluation was completed with the use of intent-to-stay surveys. The second project intervention was the development and implementation of two leadership workshops: one for newer leaders, such as charge nurses, and the second for more experienced leaders, for house supervisors and assistant nurse managers. Confidence levels in a number of leadership skills were evaluated pre- and post- workshop.

Results: The evaluation of the organizational changes was positive. Feedback from the intentto-stay surveys was compared to nurse leader exit interviews from several who left the organization. Themes identified from these surveys reflected improved job satisfaction and resilience of nurse leaders. Confidence levels before and after the leadership workshops demonstrated improved confidence in communication skills, quality and patient safety, and fiscal and healthcare business skills. Qualitative feedback also described satisfaction with the course structure and a desire for more, ongoing leadership training and development.

Conclusion: Structured succession planning, including early leader identification, clear role definition, span of control, and ongoing leader support through education, improved leader recruitment, retention, and resilience for a small rural hospital in New Hampshire.

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