Nurse Leader

Overview

Gain the Skills and Experience to Lead with Confidence

Now more than ever, effective nurse leaders are needed to drive change, advocate for patients and staff, and mentor the next generation of nurses. Are you ready to step up?

Here at USD, you’ll work with dedicated faculty who are not only expert clinicians but also recognized leaders in their fields. Clinical practicums are also tailored to your professional interests and goals, with opportunities to develop and strengthen your leadership skills.

Your Path to Becoming a Nurse Leader

Degree Programs

Our programs are built for working Registered Nurses and designed to help you gain the knowledge and expertise needed to move into leadership roles.

Online MSN in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL) program

Post-Master's to DNP Program in Nursing Leadership

Career Outcomes

Roles in the Nurse Leader Pathway

Graduates of USD’s leadership-focused nursing programs are prepared for a wide variety of roles, including:

Nurse Manager or Director
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Assistant CNO
Quality Improvement or Patient Safety Leader
Clinical Education Leader
Operational or Project Manager in Healthcare
Nursing Informatics Specialist
Nurse Educator
Academic Faculty (theory and/or clinical) or Nursing Program Director

Meet the Leadership Program Directors

Jannise T. Baclig, PhD, RN, is co-program director of USD’s MSN in Nursing Leadership Program. With more than 17 years of experience in clinical practice and leadership, she brings expertise in workforce development, professional education, and advancing clinical excellence across the nursing profession.

Contact Dr. Baclig

Nadine Kassity-Krich, MBA, BSN, RN, PHN, CNL, is co-director of the MSN in Nursing Leadership Program and a clinical assistant professor at USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. With more than 30 years of nursing experience, she brings expertise in neonatal and pediatric care, integrative medicine, and nursing education, along with a passion for developing nurse leaders grounded in compassion and social justice.

Contact Prof. Kassity-Krich

Laura Truman, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, has been a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner since 2010. She currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Nurse Practitioner Programs at the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science.

Meet with Dr.Truman

Autumn Roque, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is the Interim DNP Program Coordinator and a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Kentucky. Her clinical interests include underserved populations with severe mental illness, bipolar disorder, and psychopharmacology.

Meet with Dr. Roque