Nursing Leadership in Guam

Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States, is one of the ten (10) US Affiliated Pacific Islands. The geographic location in the western Pacific Ocean, as well as the ties to the US position Guam as a strategic hub between the continental US, Asia, and the Pacific region. Health disparities in Guam and the Micronesian region are significant, and the non-communicable disease crisis is worsening, threatening the existing poor health infrastructure on the islands. Migration of islanders from the Micronesian region, whose countries also suffer health disparities, adds to the burden of the weak health care system on Guam. A critical nursing workforce shortage plagues the health care community, and strong nursing leadership is needed to address the problems. Nurse leaders, through many organizations, are working to implement strategies to address the issues facing the islands. Increased collaboration with partners on the island, on the US mainland, and globally, are necessary to effectively address Guam's health care concerns.