Building capacity to lead: Development implementation and evaluation of a leadership and management education program for nurse leader-managers

Abstract

Background/Objective: Nurses in leadership and managerial roles require ongoing opportunities to develop their leadership knowledge and skills. Effective nursing leadership contributes to team functioning and healthy work environments, as well as improved outcomes for staff and patients. This paper reports on the development, implementation and evaluation of a Leadership and Management for Nurses Program (LMNP) in Ontario, Canada. The program was designed for novice nurse leader-managers to enhance knowledge and skills necessary to promote competence, confidence, and effectiveness in these roles.

Methods: A program evaluation framework was developed to evaluate the LMNP including the degree to which the program supported participants in achieving their leadership goals and the impact of the program on participant leadership and confidence. Upon completion of the program all participants were invited to respond to an electronic evaluation survey exploring both program processes and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data.

Results: Fifty-four participants responded to the survey. Results suggest that the program length and content were appropriate, contributing to the achievement of leadership learning goals and the development of leadership and managerial skills and knowledge, increased confidence and overall preparedness to lead.

Conclusions: Novice nurse leader-managers require support to develop and maintain leadership and managerial competencies, underscoring the importance of providing leadership development opportunities through programs such as the LMNP. Healthcare organizations should consider how best to support ongoing nurse leader-manager development through leadership training and mentorship programs.