Nurse Leadership for Post-Acute Care Nursing

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The Nurse Leadership for Post-Acute Care Nursing program is a leadership program offered in partnership with and exclusively for post-acute care nurses working at Sheltering Arms Institute. Registration for the program is managed through Sheltering Arms Institute.

This comprehensive six-month program is designed to empower nurses in rehabilitation settings by addressing workforce, cultural, and operational challenges unique to their field. The program builds pride and ownership in the rehabilitation nursing specialty while fostering collaboration between nursing and therapy teams.

Participants will complete a core program of six modules, and nurses in leadership roles will take additional leadership track courses. Throughout this six-month program, participants will engage in a Leadership Impact Project, a hands-on, work-integrated initiative designed to apply and reinforce the leadership skills developed in the course. Participants will present on their project during a capstone presentation ceremony at the close of the program.

Participants who successfully complete the program will earn continuing education units (CEUs) and a digital badge. They will also receive a certificate of completion from the University of Richmond and Sheltering Arms Institute.

Program Curriculum

Core Program

All participants will complete this six-month core curriculum.

  • Module 1: Foundations of leadership — Aligning Emotional Intelligence with Mission, Vision and Values
  • Module 2: Communication, Cultural Competency and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Module 3: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving in Post-Acute Care
  • Module 4: Managing Difficult Conversations
  • Module 5: Time Management and Delegation
  • Module 6: Leadership and Engagement Strategies

Advanced Leadership Track

A subset of up to 10 participants with supervisory responsibilities will complete an additional three modules that supplement the Core Program.

  • Module A1: Emotional Intelligence and Strategic Leadership
  • Module A2: Navigating Conflict and Leading Collaborative Teams
  • Module A3: Coaching and Mentoring for Sustained Growth

Capstone Presentation

At the culmination of the program, all participants will formally present their Leadership Impact Projects during a capstone presentation ceremony.

Instructional Team

  • Dr. Amy Armstrong, CRC, Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Dr. Michelle Beavers, Associate Professor of Education, School of Education & Human Development, University of Virginia
  • Dr. Genevieve Beaird, RNC-OB, CNE, Clinical Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Allison Fisher, MHA, Executive Director of Planning & Business Development, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
  • Jalana L. McCasland, FACHE, DSL, Healthcare executive with 25 years of healthcare leadership experience
  • Jim Morrison, Vice President of Data Strategy & Governance, American Nurses Association
  • Dr. Audrey Roberson, RN, CPAN, NPD-BC, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University

Earn the Nurse Leadership for Post-Acute Care Nursing Badge

Nurse Leadership badge

In addition to earning a Professional Certificate from the University of Richmond, students who complete this program successfully will earn the Nurse Leadership for Post-Acute Care Nursing badge. Once earned, you can share this badge on your website, digital resume and social media profiles to demonstrate to employers and colleagues that you’ve completed the program’s outcomes.