The RWJ Executive Nurse Fellows Program, Part 3: Making the business case

This article is the third in a 3-part series describing the RWJ Executive Nurse Fellows Program, an advanced leadership program for nurses in senior executive roles who aspire to help lead and shape the US healthcare system of the future. Part 1 (October 2005) described the program, its core leadership competencies, and the primary components. Part 2 (December 2005) discussed the mentor experience that is a cornerstone of the 3-year fellowship program. Fellows are encouraged to have this experience with senior level executives outside healthcare to broaden their leadership perspectives. Part 3 explains the requirement that fellows create a business plan for their leadership project to develop the skills needed to present a strong business case for a new venture or program.