College of Nursing Faculty’s Book Hits Amazon’s Best Seller List

Distinguished Alumnus

Florida Atlantic University College of Nursing Adjunct Professor and alumna Angela S. Prestia, Ph.D. ’14, MSN, RN NE-BC, teaches courses on leadership, finance, health care policy, research and informatics for both master’s and Doctor of Nursing (D.N.P.) students. Her first book titled “Becoming the Chief Nurse: The Science, The Stories, The Truth,” released in January, has been ranked on Amazon as the “No. 1 New Release in Nursing Administration and Management.”

“I truly marvel and am humbled by this designation,” expressed Dr. Prestia. “I believe it speaks to the necessity of the information. Often, there are no true mentors to help assist a novice chief nurse in understanding the critical elements of the role. I believe the information in my book can assist with what is missing to be successful in this role.”

In the book, Dr. Prestia synthesizes research evidence into understandable concepts, shares practical tools and candidly recounts stories, that together create useful applications for nurse executives. She guides the reader on a journey of self-discovery and the competencies needed as a nurse executive.

“There are high expectations for nurse leaders due to the chaotic and complex nature of health care,” said Dr. Prestia. “Surprisingly, there was no guidebook — no ‘road map’ — for those interested in the top nurse leadership role within health care organizations. I had a strong desire to create a comprehensive, easy-to-read, honest account of what it takes to become, sustain and thrive as a nurse executive.”

Although this is her first book, she has contributed to a chapter on “Leading During Challenging Times,” to the textbook, “Nurse Leadership and Management” (eds. Fitzpatrick & Alfes, 2023). In addition, she has published over 50 articles of interest to nurse leaders.

Dr. Prestia began teaching at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing in 2015, shortly after she received her Ph.D. in Nursing in 2014 from Florida Atlantic. She joined the faculty because she feels strongly that nursing education at FAU prepares students to be caring nurse leaders.

“I get very excited when students are able to connect theoretical concepts to their individual practice of nursing,” said Dr. Prestia. “I enjoy watching them grow as caring, knowledgeable professionals. Every nurse is a leader, whether it is evidenced by advocating for their patients, their staff or the community they serve.”

In 2015, Dr. Prestia was recognized as a Florida Atlantic Distinguished Alumni. Every spring, the Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association (FAUAA) honors distinguished alumni from each of the colleges for their outstanding accomplishments. In 2024, she was named a Florida Atlantic Hall of Fame Inductee.