Voice of the President | Sept 2024
As we navigate the ongoing national nursing shortage, retaining our nursing workforce remains a critical priority. A cohesive, engaged, expert and thriving team of clinicians not only elevates the health of a community but also brings profound meaning and fulfillment to the work of clinicians. Throughout my own journey as an Army nurse, a nurse practitioner and as a chief nursing officer, career development helped me gain confidence and expertise to take on new challenges.
In today’s rapidly evolving health care environment, fostering career growth and leadership development takes on new meaning. An already depleted nursing workforce faces even greater strain as more nurses approach retirement age. It’s imperative that we build a diverse, adaptable workforce to fill the knowledge and skill gaps left as experienced nurses retire.
Professional development promotes personal and professional growth and is a critical recruitment and retention tool. Newer nurses, in particular, seek organizations providing professional growth opportunities and training to help them advance in their careers.
Continued education not only keeps nurses up to date and safe in their practice, it’s also the cornerstone for developing a strong, competent workforce for the future. In that regard, professional development must evolve to meet the changing needs of the nursing workforce, which increasingly values flexibility and autonomy.
… professional development must evolve to meet the changing needs of the nursing workforce, which increasingly values flexibility and autonomy.
In this issue of Voice of Nursing Leadership, we highlight how organizations are using innovative strategies to foster career growth and leadership. These organizations are developing new ways to empower nurses, enhance clinical competence and foster a culture of lifelong learning that will advance the nursing profession and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.
Few professions offer a career ladder as diverse and dynamic as nursing. Opportunities for growth and advancement are important for nurses at all points in their careers. At UPMC (formerly University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), a revised career ladder expands growth opportunities for front-line staff, allowing nurses to design their own career path while also readying them for changes in the health care environment. The My Nursing Career Ladder fosters pathways for unlicensed nursing assistants, patient care technicians and newly introduced nonclinical patient and family concierge roles to become licensed practical nurses and RNs. It also provides older nurses opportunities to take on less physically demanding roles, allowing them to remain in the workforce longer. Maribeth McLaughlin details the impact of the new career ladder, which helps to build engagement, reduce turnover and improve retention.
Nurse leaders play a vital role in achieving organizational success by fostering healthy work environments where all team members feel safe and supported and are equipped to provide exceptional patient care. Building leadership capacity is a strategic imperative for health care organizations to drive positive change within their organization and community. South Shore Health has implemented a comprehensive leadership development program aimed at preparing nurses for advanced roles. This initiative provides nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to transition into leadership positions. Andrew Harding and his co-authors highlight the importance of aligning leadership development initiatives with industry standards and best practices, including AONL’s Nurse Executive Competencies. This alignment positions organizations for long-term success.
Succession planning is another valuable tool to ensure a seamless transition of leadership roles. Through a structured talent planning approach, Wellstar Health is identifying and nurturing potential leaders from within, creating a cadre of skilled and motivated nurses ready to step into critical positions, ensuring continuity and stability in nursing leadership. Susan Thurman outlines the organization’s 3E philosophy which groups development activities into three categories: experience, exposure and education, helping nurses achieve their leadership aspirations.
Nurse leaders have a profound impact on improving the health of the communities in which they serve. By elevating nurses to the highest level of governance within health care, community and policymaking organizations, we can broaden that impact and ensure the voice of the patient and caregiver is front and center in decision-making.
The Nurses on Boards Coalition recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and I was privileged to attend its celebration. With over 11,000 nurses currently serving on boards, nurse leaders are providing valuable insight into the care delivery system and shaping policies to improve the health of communities and the nation. Kimberly Harper and Laurie Benson encourage nurse leaders to pursue board roles and provide insights on how to serve in this way.
Every nurse’s career path is unique, and nurses have different motivations for seeking career advancement. Cathy Philpott and Anne Bisch speak with two nurses who followed the career path from advanced practice nurse to nurse executive. This insightful piece provides valuable tips for those aspiring to take on greater leadership responsibility.
By embracing innovative strategies like UPMC’s flexible career ladders, South Shore Health’s leadership development program and Wellstar Health System’s successional planning, we can create a supportive environment that promotes career growth and leadership development. As we continue to tackle the nursing shortage, let us also encourage our nurses to extend their influence beyond the bedside to leadership positions and into the boardroom, shaping the future of health care for generations to come. The business case is clear. Supporting nurse development and career growth is paramount to organizational success and building a skilled, adaptable workforce of the future.
Consider these strategies and opportunities to enhance your career and contribute to the broader nursing community. Together, we can achieve a brighter future for health care.