June 25, 2015 - Leadership Institute

Our hearts are broken. The tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, hits home, a vivid reminder of the racism that continues to haunt our country and the acts of violence that affect too many of our communities and too many of our fellow citizens. Last Wednesday, nine individuals were engaged in Bible study when they were murdered. In his remarks on the tragedy, President Obama quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King, speaking at the funeral of three of the children killed in a church bombing in Birmingham in 1963: "And yet they died nobly ...They say to each of us, black and white alike, that we must substitute courage for caution. They say to us that we must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers. Their death says to us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of the American dream."

I was with a cohort of NLN colleagues, at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress in Seoul, Republic of Korea, when I heard the news about Charleston. It was comforting to be with the wonderful diverse nurses of ICN who joined with us in our mourning for the victims and our prayers for unity and healing. With the NLN family, I extend my condolences to the families and communities of the victims.

Needless to say, I have amazing memories from the days spent at the ICN Congress and I will write more about this remarkable event and the NLN role in global nursing education in a future Member Update. But there is one takeaway I feel I must share: Each time I have participated in an ICN event I am struck by the feeling of inspiration that comes from being part of a community of nurse leaders from countries large and small. Despite the many problems that face us at home and internationally, I am excited about our ability as healers to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the global population.

We think a lot about nurse leadership at the NLN. And with the support of the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future and Galen College of Nursing, we are once again offering the NLN Leadership Institute, three full-year programs that help nurse educators and leaders in nursing education and practice develop or enhance strong leadership skills. Some people seem to be leaders from childhood but I think that is rare. Rather, leadership skills are learned and nurtured with the support of able mentors. That, at least, has been my experience throughout my career.

Needless to say, I have amazing memories from the days spent at the ICN Congress and I will write more about this remarkable event and the NLN role in global nursing education in a future NLN Leadership Institute , three full-year programs that help nurse educators and leaders in nursing education and practice develop or enhance strong leadership skills. Some people seem to be leaders from childhood but I think that is rare. Rather, leadership skills are learned and nurtured with the support of able mentors. That, at least, has been my experience throughout my career.

A few years ago, the NLN recognized that many faculty were being thrust into leadership roles in their schools of nursing and left to sink or swim, for better or worse. With the leadership of NLN chief program officer Dr. Janice Brewington, we decided to offer the LEAD program, for those who experienced a rapid transition to a leadership position and for those who aspire to lead and hope to cultivate the necessary skills. What a marvelous program this is. During the course of a year, LEAD participants, as a cohort of peers, engage in the work of learning how organizational systems function and, while developing a personal career plan, focus on processes such as strategic planning, team building, and budgeting. They develop a great spirit of camaraderie. Earlier this month, the 20 LEAD participants from the 2015 cohort met for an intense four-day retreat and worked closely with eight leaders (some from the NLN Board of Governors and staff) on understanding the politics of organizations and team building and other important skills. It was great to have these wonderful leaders on site at NLN headquarters. And I look forward to seeing them again — and you, of course, as well — at the NLN Education Summit in Las Vegas.

LEAD Retreat June 2015

The Leadership Development Program for Simulation Educators is a second program of the NLN Leadership Institute. I am proud to say that past participants are now directing simulation programs in schools of nursing throughout the country and are taking the lead in simulation research, curricular development, and interprofessional education. These individuals will bring the benefits of networking to their endeavors as leaders in this emerging field. Clearly, each participant will have a major influence on the transformation of nursing education.

Our third NLN Leadership Institute offering was expanded and renamed this year. Formerly known as the Senior Deans and Directors Leadership Program, the Executive Leadership Program in Nursing Education and Practice now encompasses all experienced executive leaders who wish to be reenergized, reframe how they're thinking about themselves as leaders, reframe their thinking about leadership, and expand their ability to become champions for change in complex organizations, from universities to hospital systems.

Tuition for the Leadership Institute programs covers a great deal, starting with the registration for several events: the NLN Leadership Conference in the winter, an intensive leadership forum, the NLN Education Summit, and a series of webinars. It includes individual executive coaching, group coaching via conference call, individual leadership assessment, and support for a development action plan.

It is very exciting for me to know that through our efforts at the NLN, we are seeding great leaders throughout our country for years to come. Who knows what will come from our efforts at cultivation? In schools of nursing everywhere, regionally through the NLN Constituent Leagues , at the national level, in organizations such as ours, and on the global stage there will be innovators who exemplify our core values of caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence — innovators who support the NLN mission to promote excellence in nursing education.

I know the Leadership Institute must be very tempting, so I encourage you to apply. You will have the pleasure and challenge of working with leaders from all parts of the world, steered and inspired by Dr. Brewington, a leader of leaders. Applications are due September 30. Visit the Leadership Institute page for more information and a list of the 2015 LEAD and Leadership Development for Simulation Educators program participants.

Still speaking of leadership, here is something we must all do. On June 10, Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and David Joyce (R-OH) introduced H.R. 2713, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes nursing workforce development programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). We need as many House members as possible to become cosponsors of H.R. 2713, which means we need you to take action. Links on the NLN website make this easy to do. Please act now.

And a reminder as you reflect on the leaders you admire in nursing education today: The deadline for nominations for the 2015 NLN Awards is July 7. We are seeking nominations for three awards: The Mary Adelaide Nutting Award for Outstanding Teaching or Leadership in Nursing Education, the Isabel Hampton Robb Award for Outstanding Leadership in Clinical Practice, and the Lillian Wald Humanitarian Award. To nominate a colleague, please review the awards criteria and then complete the official nomination form. And plan to be there for the awards presentation at the 2015 Education Summit NLN Banquet, October 2 in Las Vegas.

Let me end by saying I hope everyone had a great Fathers Day. To all the fathers out there, belated wishes for the day and a joyous celebration for all you do and all you mean to us all.