The Development and Evaluation of the Nursing Leadership Excellence in Practice Program (L-EPP)

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Education
• Leadership Development

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid placement of inexperienced nurses into leadership roles.
• The Tasmanian Health Service-Hospitals South developed the Leadership Excellence in Practice Program (L-EPP) to address this leadership gap.
• Effective nursing leadership is crucial for improving patient outcomes and health services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of the L-EPP.
• To evaluate the L-EPP's effectiveness from participant, peer, and manager perspectives.
• To assess the program's impact on nursing leadership capacity.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal mixed-methods study design.
• Utilized data from the first two L-EPP cohorts.
• Employed a blended learning model: e-learning, work-integrated learning, and face-to-face workshops, with pre- and post-program surveys.

Main Results:

• 57 nurses and midwives completed the L-EPP.
• Workshop components were positively received by participants.
• Significant improvements in leadership domains were reported by participants, peers, and managers.

Conclusions:

• The L-EPP was well-received and effective in enhancing nursing leadership skills.
• The program serves as a replicable template for organizations aiming to build leadership capacity.
• This initiative can aid in upskilling existing staff and mitigating post-pandemic nurse attrition.