Advancing nursing leadership in long-term care.
Nurses working in the long-term care (LTC) sector face unique workplace stresses, demands and circumstances. Designing approaches to leadership training and other supportive human-resource strategies that reflect the demands of the LTC setting fosters a positive work life for nurses by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the care team and to address resident and family issues. Through the St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph demonstration site project, funded by the Nursing Secretariat of Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Excelling as a Nurse Leader in Long Term Care training program and the Mentor Team program were developed to address these needs. Evaluation results show that not only have individual nurses benefitted from taking part in these programs, but also that the positive effects were felt in other parts of the LTC home (as reported by Directors of Care). By creating a generally healthier work environment, it is anticipated that these programs will also have a positive effect on recruitment and retention.
O'Brien
Jennifer
J
Human Resources and Support Services, St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph. jobrien@sjhcg.ca
Ringland
Margaret
M
Wilson
Susan
S
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D017144:Focus Groups; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008611:Mentors; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009726:Nurses; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015399:Nursing Research; D009864:Ontario; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities