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"The model is workable and is not just fluff; it is more than theory," said staff nurse Darcy Walker of Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, Ariz., who also describes the model as "logical."

"[It] spells out what is expected from each nurse in his or her role."

Cynthia Russell, DNSc, RN, dean of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, is excited that the model provides nurses with a common and practical language to discuss a critical need, regardless of the nurse's practice area.

By applying the model, she said, nurses in Arizona will be able to develop future nurse leaders at all levels of the health care system.

Russell points out that the model can be used in the development of research studies, as well as to help students recognize the more comprehensive role of nursing and envision future roles of nursing.

Rhonda Anderson, MS, RN, chief operating officer at Desert Samaritan Medical Center in Mesa and a faculty member at Grand Canyon University, uses the ANL model in her RN-to-BSN leadership class.

Students like the model, she said, because they understand it and it applies to all levels of leadership. Anderson said that classroom dialogue focuses on applying the model's principles to daily situations so that students can manage the situations more effectively in the future.

"The model provides clarity as to the role of the nurse and the value of her role to the patient, to other peers and to the system in which she works," said Mardy Taylor, MBA, RN, chief nursing officer and former president of the Arizona Organization of Nurse Executives.

"This model can lead to hospitals and educational professionals working together and sharing resources to develop standardized education for nurses in Arizona while using variable teaching techniques."

The model is also an important support for achieving Magnet status, said Colleen Hallberg, MS, RN, interim CEO at Banner Health's Thunderbird Samaritan Medical Center in Glendale, Ariz. Magnet program standards recognize the importance of nurse empowerment and nurse autonomy, both of which lead to increased nurse satisfaction and retention.

In the ANL model, interpersonal and political competencies are essential to successful collaboration, negotiation and advocacy.

Staff nurses who possess these competencies will be successful and satisfied as they work with nurse leaders in making decisions that affect clinical practice and professional work life, Hallberg said.

"ANL is relevant to every type of nursing-and it recognizes that nurses are doing more than taking care of the patient," Walker said.

Contact Kathy Malloch at kmalloch@msn.com

Also read: The nature of their role places nurses in a position of influence among health care team members