International Nursing Leadership Institute Holds Second Session in Kentucky

AIHA's nursing initiative has grown to include more activities in which both CEE and NIS nurses have opportunities to develop nursing leadership skills together. Sponsored by AIHA and USAID, the International Nursing Leadership Institute is a learning experience in which NIS and CEE nurses develop skills and acquire the knowledge required for successful leadership in today's changing healthcare environment. The Institute offers varied teaching methodologies to create an integrated year-long curriculum, graduating participants into a growing global community of nursing leaders. Borrowing from several successful adult learning models, the International Nursing Leadership Institute offers a unique opportunity for the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

The first session of the International Nursing Leadership Institute was held in London in June 1999. Twenty NIS and CEE nurses participated in this workshop, which featured leadership training and education on the development of nursing associations. In addition to sessions on teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and policy development, each nurse developed a personal project for the upcoming year. A component of their participation in the Institute, the nurses agreed to carry out these workplace-based projects, which aim to achieve positive changes in the nursing profession. Using their newly honed leadership skills, the nurses were asked to work on their individual projects in between Institute sessions.

The second session of the Nursing Institute took place in Louisville, Kentucky from November 5-12, 1999. There, 18 nurse leaders from the NIS and CEE gathered for another intensive and activity-filled workshop aimed at promoting nursing leadership. Five US faculty members, all of whom led the first Institute workshop in London, facilitated daily, interactive sessions that included developing negotiation skills for working more effectively with colleagues and superiors, writing for publication, conducting SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses, and strategic planning. All sessions aimed at expanding nurses' skills to help them become leaders in their workplaces through their individual projects. The Institute also gave nurses the opportunity to participate in a computer skills course at the University of Louisville to help them explore new methods of communication and research, including using e-mail and Internet research to access online nursing journals.

At their own request, the nurses spent one morning attending clinical visits to the oncology and cardiac departments at Clark Memorial Hospital. Two local Louisville groups, the Kentucky Nurses Association and the Louisville International Cultural Center, both hosted receptions in honor of the nurses, enabling the group to interact with local nurses and community leaders.

All Institute participants left Louisville with plans to enhance their professional relationships with fellow participants and faculty members and report on the progress of their individual projects. In coming months, nurses will be asked to volunteer to co-teach specific topics with US faculty members when they come together again in St. Petersburg, Russia in July 2000.