Leadership in nursing

Firestone accepted to national LEAD Program for nursing

Kari Firestone, associate dean of the Walla Walla University School of Nursing, has been accepted as a participant in the LEAD Program, a highly competitive nursing program coordinated by the National League for Nursing Leadership Institute. The LEAD Program is a yearlong process designed to train nurses to thrive in positions of leadership. LEAD participants are selected for the program based on their educational background, research history, and publication output.

“It has always been my goal to harness my authentic leadership in order to cultivate innovative strategies and practices in an ongoing effort to promote positive change in nursing education,” said Firestone. “My passion to further develop skills in order to facilitate these goals coincides perfectly with the LEAD program.”

Through the program, participants develop their skills in management, leadership, and communication. They also examine organizational processes, identify ways to develop effective teams, and work with an executive coach.

“My goal is to enhance my leadership skills and knowledge in order to be a driving force of positive change in the WWU nursing department and the community at large,” said Firestone. “I hope to design and implement creative new policies addressing the gaps between nursing education and the ever-evolving world of healthcare.”

Firestone has taught in the WWU School of Nursing since 2009. She has a bachelor of science degree in nursing from WWU, a master’s degree from Loma Linda University, and a doctorate from Oregon Health and Science University.

Meet the other WWU School of Nursing faculty and learn more about studying nursing at WWU at nursing.wallawalla.edu.

Posted Feb. 8, 2018

Kari Firestone is associate dean of the Walla Walla University School of Nursing.