Nursing department directors' perspectives on leadership training programme: A descriptive qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Leadership
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development

Background:

• Limited research exists on nursing department directors' perspectives of leadership training programs.
• Effective leadership is crucial for nurses to manage evolving healthcare environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nursing department directors' views on a national leadership training program for mid-level nurse managers.
• To understand directors' experiences with identifying and supporting leadership development in their staff.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study was conducted.
• Face-to-face interviews were performed with 11 nursing department directors.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data collected between November 2022 and April 2023.

Main Results:

• Directors identified strategies for succession planning, coaching, and monitoring trainee progress.
• The leadership program was found to broaden perspectives, instill responsibility, and enhance leadership skills.
• Key themes included successor identification, coaching, and observed changes in trainees.

Conclusions:

• Nursing department director engagement and a coaching approach, including fostering a growth mindset, are vital for leadership program success.
• The study highlights the importance of director involvement in developing future nursing leaders.