Nursing leadership and influence in practice domains at a Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

Background: Studies in Veteran populations have examined disparities in health service use, care quality, outcomes and increased demands for behavioral health.

Purpose: The purpose is to describe the development of nursing leadership roles that influenced practice improvements and demonstrated outcomes related to health disparities in a Veterans Affairs (VA) population over a 12-year period.

Methods: The Sundean and colleagues' concept analysis of nurse leadership influence was applied to frame the initiative process and impacts.