Author Q&A: Leadership and Nursing Care Management and Disease Management: A Guide for Case Managers, 8th Edition

Introduction

Diane L. Huber: My name is Diane Huber, and I am a Tenured Full Professor Emeritus at the College of Nursing and College of Public Health in Iowa City, IA. I am now retired.

My career has been dedicated to nursing leadership and administration, and I've had the opportunity to speak, teach and consult nationally. My teaching, presentations and research have focused on nurse and case manager activity dose, case and disease management healthcare systems models and the Nursing Management Minimum Data Set (NMMDS). I've taught leadership and management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and served as an Associate Editor for Outcomes Management. I have also authored and edited several widely used textbooks, including Leadership and Nursing Care Management and Disease Management: A Guide for Case Managers. My background includes both clinical and administrative roles, and I've been active in professional organizations and on editorial boards.

M. Lindell Joseph: I’m M. Lindell Joseph, a Clinical Professor and Director for the MSN in Nursing Systems Administration and the DNP in Executive Leadership programs at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. I also serve as the Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Leader, the official journal for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.

My work focuses on empowering nurses at every stage of leadership — from students to seasoned executives — through practical tools, case studies, research insights and forward-thinking exercises that help reimagine nursing leadership and transform healthcare work environments for the better.

Q: What motivated you to write a book on this topic? What unique contributions does your publication make to the field?

Diane L. Huber: When I first authored this book, there wasn't another text available that met my teaching needs. An editor at Saunders recognized my expertise and invited me to write it. The book's unique contributions are its comprehensiveness, evidence-based approach and coverage for both undergraduate and graduate nursing education. It has been rewarding to see it become an enduringly popular text.

M. Lindell Joseph: Co-editing this book allowed me to empower nurses across all leadership levels with tools to help them reimagine nursing leadership and transform healthcare work environments. The book incorporates practical content, compelling case studies, research insights and future trends, equipping nurses to lead with confidence, whether they are on the front line or in the boardroom.

Q: What do you find most exciting or significant about your new publication? Are there particular chapters or topics you are especially enthusiastic about?

Diane L. Huber: What excites me most is the practical knowledge and comprehensive guidance it offers to students and managers. This edition places a strong emphasis on the role of all nurses as leaders.

M. Lindell Joseph: The reinforcement that every nurse is a leader, as well as the adaptability of the topics to various leadership stages are truly significant. I’m particularly enthusiastic about a few chapters:

• Chapter 2, which explores innovativeness in leadership culture and thinking methods.

• Chapter 13, which discusses professional governance involving frontline teams, councils and leadership to achieve goals.

• Chapter 20, which addresses workplace violence and incivility, including policy and legislative agendas.

• Chapter 25, which covers nursing informatics for clinical leaders, addressing emerging technologies and trends.

• Chapter 26, which focuses on marketing and branding nursing healthcare to transform the professional identity of nurses as leaders.

Q: Who is the primary audience for your book, and why will they find it valuable?

A: Our book is intended for undergraduate and graduate nursing students, nurse managers, practicing nurses, and aspiring leaders and administrators. We believe they will find it valuable for its evidence-based content, comprehensiveness, and practical applications and exercises.

Q: What new ideas, practices or procedures do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Diane L. Huber: I hope readers see its application to NCLEX^® exam preparation, alignment with AONE competencies, up-to-date leadership content and recognition of all nurses as leaders, which can strengthen our profession's image.

M. Lindell Joseph: I hope they will take away new research findings and ideas for developing cultures of innovation. I also hope it helps transform nursing’s brand image, builds informatics competencies for nurses at all levels, and introduces policies and regulations surrounding workplace violence.

Q: Looking ahead, what challenges or problems in your specialty do you hope future generations will address?

Diane L. Huber: I hope future generations will address the challenges in healthcare delivery systems related to nursing care, practice environments, reimbursement, healthcare policy and economics.

M. Lindell Joseph: The need to embrace evidence-based practice, a shared understanding that all nurses are leaders, and the importance of evaluating situations within their specific community, social and contextual environments.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your book or its impact?

A: We are national and international thought leaders who are actively engaged in leadership practice and research. Together, we bring cutting-edge knowledge to help reimagine nursing leadership.