The Kaiser Permanente Nurse Scholars Academy (NSA) features diverse programs and ongoing successes are directly related to strong academic-practice partnerships that complement and expand the disciplinary focus and theory-guided practices illustrated in the Kaiser Permanente Professional Practice model.

Caring Science and the Theory of Human Caring are integrated into all programs and offerings. This demonstrates how academe and clinical practice can partner to address health care and workforce challenges in complex, chaotic, and rapidly changing environments.

We are committed to removing all barriers, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensuring flexible pathways for academic progression, professional growth, and leadership development for all Kaiser Permanente nurses. Our NSA academic programs are generously funded, offering worry-free options designed for working nurses with busy work and home lives.

The core academic progression programs includes:

• The RN-BSN program with Samuel Merritt University (SMU) in Oakland.
• The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offered in partnership with the University of San Francisco (USF).
• The Executive Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice (ELDNP)-doctoral programs offered with USF, Duke University, the University of Pennsylvania, and University of California San Francisco (UCSF).

Leadership development programs are offered conveniently through Kaiser Permanente Learning University (KPLU) and in partnership with Human Resources, HR Learning and Development, and Organization Development (OD) specialists, laying the critical foundation for core leader competencies that anchor all new and “newly hired” Kaiser Permanente nurse leaders in what it means to be a Kaiser Permanente Leader.

Leadership development programs are offered conveniently through Kaiser Permanente Learning University (KPLU) and in partnership with Human Resources, HR Learning and Development, and Organization Development (OD) specialists, laying the critical foundation for core leader competencies that anchor all new and “newly hired” Kaiser Permanente nurse leaders in what it means to be a Kaiser Permanente Leader.

Nursing leadership is structured and designed to build upon the core competencies and skills offered by KPLU. The NSA provides diverse programs and learning experiences designed specifically for Kaiser Permanente nurse leaders in partnership with Kaiser Permanente nurse faculty experts and academic nursing partners. Content development includes a focus on Kaiser Permanente culture, “Total Health,” holistic professional practice models, and integrated health care strategy that includes health care administration and finance, regulatory agencies, law, labor relations, informatics, health policy, population health, quality innovation, care experience, project management, research and evidence-informed practice, joy and meaning, and theory integration to name a few.

New leader onboarding, orientation, and ongoing development are central to Kaiser Permanente’s learning culture and Magnet priorities. Our 2023 calendar of leadership programs for assistant nurse managers (ANMs), managers, directors, and nurse executives were designed in partnership with the UCSF Leadership Institute, a top-tier nursing program in the nation, as well as UC Davis, USF, and Watson Caring Science Institute.

Academy Leadership Programs are fully funded by the NSA and focus on developing current and emerging nurse leaders, nursing professional development (NPD) leaders, and include programs on evidence based practice (EBP) for leaders and bedside staff to support expanded learning in shared governance and research teams. All Academy programs include hybrid options, offering flexible access to innovative learning experiences that create new possibilities for nurses from across the region to engage, connect and learn together.