A new research initiative led by the American Nurses Enterprise Institute for Nursing Research and Quality Management has introduced the Nursing Human Capital Value Model, a data-driven framework designed to measure the economic impact of nursing within healthcare organizations. Developed over two years by researchers Olga Yakusheva, PhD, FAAN(h), and Marianne Weiss, DNSc, RN, the model provides healthcare leaders with a structured method to assess how investments in nursing influence both clinical outcomes and financial performance.
The study outlines three phases: concept development, evidence review and validation, and proof-of-concept testing. During the first phase, a comprehensive definition of nursing’s economic value was established, capturing both tangible metrics and intangible contributions. The second phase involved a systematic analysis of existing literature to refine the model, resulting in actionable recommendations. In the final phase, pilot applications demonstrated the model’s effectiveness in quantifying nursing’s role in staffing decisions, professional development, and cost management.
Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FAAN, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer at American Nurses Enterprise, emphasized that the goal was to shift perceptions of nurses from caregivers to strategic assets. He noted that the framework enables leaders to recognize the return on investment associated with nursing excellence.
Findings indicate that adequate investment in nursing correlates with improved patient care, operational efficiency, and revenue generation. Conversely, underfunding the nursing workforce can lead to reduced productivity, higher turnover, and increased long-term financial risk for health systems.
The model is being presented during the American Nurses Enterprise’s annual Research Symposium, held in Atlanta on October 7, 2025, under the theme “Amplifying the Value of Nursing through Transformative Research.” The event precedes the larger Magnet & Pathway Conference™, hosted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which brings together thousands of nursing professionals to advance evidence-based practice and innovation.
Further details about the Nursing Human Capital Value Model and the full research findings are available on the Economic Value of Nursing website.
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American Nurses Enterprise Unveils New Model Defining the Economic Value of Nursing
Nursing Human Capital Value Model demonstrates how investing in nurses drives better outcomes and stronger financial performance n nATLANTA – October 7, 2025 –– Today, the American Nurses Enterprise (ANE) is hosting its annual Research Symposium pre-conference activities, featuring groundbreaking research on amplifying the value of nursing. The theme for this year’s symposium is “Amplifying the Value of Nursing through Transformative Research.” n nA centerpiece of this year’s event is the presentation of findings from the Economic Value of Nursing Research Project—a two-year study led by the American Nurses Enterprise Institute for Nursing Research and Quality Management. n nLed by researchers Olga Yakusheva, PhD, FAAN(h), and Marianne Weiss, DNSc, RN, the study introduces a pioneering framework: the Nursing Human Capital Value Model, a data-driven approach to quantifying the economic impact of nursing within healthcare systems. n nThe model offers a practical roadmap for nurse leaders and health system executives to measure and communicate the value nurses create—both in patient outcomes and financial performance. It identifies how nurse investment directly contributes to revenue growth, cost savings, and care quality, while highlighting the economic risks of underinvestment in the nursing workforce. n nThe study was conducted in three key phases: n nConcept Development – Building a new conceptual model for the economic value of nursing, establishing a progressive definition that captures both measurable and non-measurable impacts. n nEvidence Review and Validation – Conducting a systematic review of existing research to refine and validate the model, leading to robust recommendations for measurement and application. n nProof-of-Concept Testing – Applying the model in pilot settings to demonstrate its ability to quantify nursing’s impact and inform decision-making around staffing, education, and professional development. n n“The goal of this study was to reframe how nurses are traditionally viewed—not just as caregivers, but as strategic assets whose expertise drives both clinical excellence and financial stability,” said Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FAAN, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer of the American Nurses Enterprise. “This model provides a powerful tool for healthcare leaders to understand and act on the true return on investment in nursing.” n nAccording to researchers, the Nursing Human Capital Value Model underscores that investing in nurses fuels a cycle of high-quality care, improved outcomes, and increased revenue for healthcare systems. Conversely, underinvestment can lead to diminished productivity, higher costs, and long-term financial risk. n nTo learn more about the two-year study on the value of nursing and to review the full Nursing Human Capital Value Model, please visit the Economic Value of Nursing website. n n### n nAbout the American Nurses Enterprise n nThe American Nurses Enterprise champions nurses by harnessing The Power of Nurses™ to drive transformation and innovation across the healthcare landscape. As the unifying force behind three foundational pillars—the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation—the enterprise sets the professional standards that empower nurse-led innovation, advocacy, and research. By uniting these core organizations, the enterprise advances the nursing profession and shapes a healthier future for communities nationwide and around the globe. n nAbout the Magnet & Pathway Conference™ n nThe Magnet & Pathway Conference™ is the largest gathering of nurses in the world, convening thousands of frontline nurses, nurse leaders, executives, and innovators every year. Hosted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, this premier annual event celebrates excellence in nursing, advances evidence-based practice, and showcases the power of nurses to transform health care. Through dynamic keynote sessions, cutting-edge education, networking opportunities, and recognition of Magnet® and Pathway to Excellence® organizations, the conference empowers nurses across every setting to lead change and elevate the profession.