Developing a leadership program for nurse managers -

Abstract

Healthcare organizations are difficult to manage, especially when different logics and value systems are at play. Leadership and management are of importance when aiming at ensuring high quality patient care, employee satisfaction and overall organizational effectiveness. This is particularly so for frontline nurse managers (NM); they are the key interface between care, cure and managerial control. In working to improve our nurses’ retention and satisfaction, leadership is our most important channel. It is the engine that pulls the train. This project proposes a leadership and management development program designed primarily for middle level managers to prepare them for their roles as effective leaders and managers. The program focuses on nursing leadership in daily work. Having insight in the strategic and clinical role a nurse leader plays in healthcare is of great value nowadays. With a combination of class sessions, unit activities, and role play, this program will augment the potential of the participants as nurse leaders and give them the opportunity to gain competence in effectively leading and managing teams of patient care units.