Over the past three months, almost 200 head nurses and more than 40 directors of nursing from across Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) attended a new programme designed to build on their existing leadership skills while also fostering new competencies.

The programme, which started in early February and concluded in mid-May, was mandatory for all HMC directors of nursing and head nurses. Developed in partnership with US-based Partners Healthcare International (PHI), the Nurse Leadership Programme focused on the development of essential skills that promote and support strong leadership and management in the nursing
profession.

“The Nurse Leadership Programme is part of a suite of ongoing professional development opportunities offered at HMC in order to help nurses meet the challenges of the evolving healthcare environment. Nurses who successfully completed the leadership programme have improved their skills and competencies and are better equipped to lead healthcare teams towards increased operational efficiency and improved patient outcomes,” said Professor Ann-Marie Cannaby, executive director of corporate nursing at HMC.

The programme was delivered by PHI faculty. HMC and PHI entered into a partnership in 2012 to collaborate on a number of performance initiatives focused on system development, quality improvement and network integration.

Elizabeth J Brown, corporate director of nursing at PHI, said she was impressed with the motivation and participation of HMC’s nurses. “The faculty and nurses truly connected on many shared experiences as nurse leaders in complex systems and we look forward to hearing in the months ahead how our HMC colleagues are continuing to support each other to grow and meet the needs of their staff and patients,” said Brown. 

Focusing on the creation and sustainability of patient-centred practices, the programme emphasised the behaviours of exemplary leaders and will enable nurse managers to identify different personal leadership styles and philosophies and learn how to incorporate them when guiding healthcare teams.

The sessions focused on two core competencies - managing self and leading others. These competencies are important for all nurse leaders and align with the HMC Code of Leadership. 

“Leadership is intrinsically linked to improved care and patient outcomes,” said Elizabeth Ann Thiebe, assistant executive director for nursing at HMC.

The programme is part of a significant investment in professional development that is being undertaken in support of HMC’s Nursing Strategy. Launched in April 2013, the strategy aims to build the foundations of a world-class nursing service at HMC by articulating the link between nursing practice, education, leadership,
governance and research.