Nursing Education Evolution: Advancing Leadership

Nursing has undergone profound transformations over the past several decades, reshaping the profession and the opportunities available to those who dedicate their lives to patient care. Throughout her 45 years in nursing, Joan Frey, EdD, MSN, BS, ANEF, has witnessed firsthand the evolution of this once female-dominated field into a diverse and dynamic profession that embraces individuals of all backgrounds. These changes have paved the way for more significant leadership opportunities, advanced education, and a culture of advocacy, especially for women.  

For Women’s History Month, we invited Joan Frey to share some of the changes she has witnessed in the nursing industry since the start of her career. Additionally, we asked her to speak to how these changes have affected the way Galen College of Nursing prepares nurses for the future. Read on to hear from the Dean of Galen College of Nursing – Sarasota and the eponymous Joan L. Frey Excellence in Teaching Award.   

“During my 45 years in various nursing roles, I have experienced many changes within the nursing profession. The formerly female-dominated industry has progressed to expand previously narrow societal perceptions of a ‘nurse.’ Radical and necessary changes have evolved to enhance workplace dynamics, broaden advanced nursing education degrees, grow nursing specialty certifications, and develop impactful leadership opportunities for women and men, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or creed. These transformations have created significant leadership opportunities for women, in particular, to aspire and attain new levels of authority while advocating for women’s rights, thereby simultaneously increasing the presence of women in healthcare leadership positions. The increasing presence of women in leadership positions has fostered a culture emphasizing collaboration and support, fundamentally altering workplace dynamics.”  

“Today’s nurses owe a covenant to nursing education programs and curricula, which have strengthened the profession through unwavering commitment to the ethics and values that inspire people’s highest regard for their caregiver role and responsibilities. Over time, curricula have expanded the teaching and learning of myriad nurse responsibilities to heighten the importance of patient safety and advanced nursing practice, applying science, technology, and research to improve healthcare delivery. Nurse educators supported and enhanced curricula to address core clinical competencies and incorporate advocacy, leadership aptitudes, and compassionate care to reflect women’s ongoing influence and contributions in healthcare.   

“Galen College of Nursing models the values that represent the best in nursing education. We focus on empowering future professionals with the technical competencies and leadership skills necessary to navigate a complex healthcare landscape, ensuring they are equipped to advocate for their patients and drive continued positive changes within the healthcare industry. I am extremely proud to be a part of Galen’s history and honored to be a nurse.”  

As nursing continues to evolve, institutions like the Galen College of Nursing play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of nurses to lead with knowledge, compassion, and confidence. Hence, by fostering a commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and leadership, Galen ensures that nurses are skilled clinicians and influential advocates for progress within the healthcare industry. It is both an honor and a privilege to contribute to this legacy and to celebrate the remarkable impact of nursing on individuals and communities.  

Lastly, we will leave you with these words of advice from Joan, “Nursing is the greatest single profession where a competent and caring individual has the privilege to impact the lives of others along the continuum of life. Pour your heart into it, and the rewards will sustain and strengthen your learning and lifelong career.”