Date of Award

January 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Yale University School of Nursing

First Advisor

Mary Ann Camilleri

Abstract

The alarming turnover rate of nurse managers poses a costly challenge to healthcare organizations, threatening patient safety and operational stability of healthcare organizations across the United States. This instability is often linked to low self-efficacy, as managers face increasing role complexity without adequate training and development.A structured, leader development program rooted in experiential learning was designed and implemented for a cohort of 16 nurse managers in a military community hospital. The program integrated the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Leader Competencies with Kolb's Experiential Learning Model, utilizing online modules, reflective journaling, and executive mentorship to guide participants in transforming real-world challenges into learning opportunities. The program's impact was evaluated using pre- and post-implementation surveys to measure changes in perceived self-efficacy. A paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the total mean self-efficacy score (p < 0.05) and across all eight measured leadership and communication competencies. The findings confirm that a development program rooted in structured reflection on practical experience can significantly enhance nurse manager confidence. This project provides a replicable, low-cost model for cultivating resilient and effective leaders, which is essential for fostering workforce stability and improving patient outcomes.

Comments

This thesis is restricted to Yale network users only. It will be made publicly available on 10/06/2027

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