Professional sessions included such topics as leadership theory, governance of healthcare organizations, roles and accountabilities of leadership. The personal growth topics covered emotional intelligence of leadership, personal styles of leadership, and change management. Discussions were often dynamic and thought-provoking for both the participants and course facilitators.
During the graduation ceremony, each participant was given the opportunity to describe one of the most important learning’s for them. Comments included the opportunity to network and put a face to the name in different units; the time to reflect upon what is the same yet different in each of the clinical areas; and the chance to do a personal inventory of leadership skills - both strengths and weaknesses - which could be applied to both home and work situations. One member of the group indicated it was great that the education was not about giving “pat” answers but rather about exploring, listening and hearing about others’ experiences and then being able to take the information and make it practical to the nursing units. The ceremony ended with presentation of certificates and cake for everyone.
One of the messages we heard throughout the sessions was the importance of relationships between units and how over years due to the busyness of the important work we do, we have not taken the time to build relationships. The group noted they would like to continue to meet both for education and for networking to maintain the important relationships they had developed. The formal leadership team has committed to make this happen and the next session is booked for October. As well, the intent is to roll the program out into a broader intra-professional model to include frontline leaders throughout CKHA in both clinical and support services.
On behalf of the professional practice team, and myself, thank you to all of our internal “experts” and external presenters for sharing your knowledge and skills. Appreciation as well to the managers and directors for making it possible for staff to attend. And to our graduates..... Way to go...great work...it is team members like you who make CKHA a great place to work!
