About 240 nurse leaders, comprising head nurses and directors of nursing from across Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), are attending a programme designed to strengthen their competencies in leadership and management.

The three-month programme, developed in partnership with the US-based Partners Healthcare, is part of HMC’s strategy for developing a world-class nursing service.

“Nurses who successfully complete the leadership programme will acquire the skills and competencies required to lead healthcare teams, to increase in operational efficiency and improved patient outcomes,” HMC’s nursing executive director Professor Ann-Marie Cannaby said.

She told the participants that HMC was committed to investing in the development of their leadership skills as part of the nursing strategy, and building on the gains of the programme to support the delivery of the safest, most effective and compassionate care for patients.

Nurses demonstrate leadership by providing, facilitating, and promoting the best possible care for their patients, HMC’s nursing assistant executive director Elizabeth Ann Thiebe said.

“Leadership requires self-knowledge, and helping nurses to understand how their personal beliefs, values and behaviour affect others is intrinsically linked to improved care and patient outcomes.”

The programme involves interactive workshops focused on two core competencies: managing self and leading others. It is structured to help participants gain a better understanding of their own leadership development goals and apply their experiences from the programme back in the work setting managing staff nurses.

Top faculty members from Partners Healthcare, representing nursing operations, quality and safety, leadership development and human resources, will be working with HMC in implementing the leadership programme.

Partners Healthcare International’s corporate nursing director and course organiser Elizabeth Brown observed that head nurses play a key role in developing a safe environment for patients as they work closely with the staff nurses at the patient bedside, and they also bring messages between top leadership and staff and across the organisation.

After completing the programme, participants will also receive continuing education unit credits, through Partners Healthcare International, from the American Nurses Credentialing Centre, the world’s largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organisation, which aims to promote excellence in nursing and healthcare globally.