Two years ago, a select group of nurses at Western Maryland Health System (WMHS) began a comprehensive leadership curriculum designed by the Nursing Leadership Academy. Today, the participants of the Frontline Nursing Leadership Program are nearing the end of their course and have improved nursing practice at WMHS.

The program began in 2004 with 38 staff nurses serving at the front lines of patient care. Participants were selected based on their drive to lead others and their potential for advancement. Each nurse works with a Nurse Manager who serves as a coach to guide them through the program, providing mentoring and assistance as needed. The participants are also separated into groups to facilitate teamwork throughout the program.

Four distinct, yet related semesters highlight the main objectives of the program. Nurses take on specific projects learning how to prevent and manage conflict with patients and families, and within the nursing team; tackle recurring problems on the unit; prioritize time more effectively; build teamwork on the unit; and act as a leader and role model for others.

“The program gives nurses the skills to be more proactive instead of reactive — they feel more empowered to tackle situations and look at solutions,” says Theresa Hershberger, RN, MS, Director of Education and Project Management at WMHS.

The first semester focuses on leadership skills, and every nurse chooses their own specific project to concentrate on. As an example, one nurse developed a list of rules and regulations for low census call-offs within a closed unit, which was found to successfully increase fairness and employee satisfaction.

Critical thinking to enhance performance through problem solving is the focus of the program’s second semester. The third semester incorporates the previous lessons to focus on effective communication. The nurses examine how they can exert their influence to delegate responsibilities, to accomplish goals within the unit, and to engage those around them to succeed. Currently, the nurses are completing their third semester. Soon they will begin the fourth and final semester, which focuses on teamwork.

The Frontline Nursing Leadership program has helped WMHS in terms of recruitment and retention. According to Hershberger, the program increases staff satisfaction because it allows the nurses to learn leadership skills and become active in problem solving. Nurses are enhancing their independence, confidence, responsibility, and ownership of skills, which makes them more effective leaders and creates a cohesive unit where people want to work.

As nurses complete the program, they can share what they have learned with other departments within the hospital, thus serving as role models and inspiring others to pursue opportunities for professional development. WMHS also distributes newsletters about the program so that all employees can incorporate the program’s ideas into their own departments.

“The program provides a great learning experience for front line staff, giving them insight into a leadership role,” Hershberger said.

Contact:
Theresa Hershberger, RN, MS
Director Education & Project Management
Western Maryland Health System
301-723-1434