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Learning Objective 1: Describe how one professional organization’s strategic initiatives were operationalized to demonstrate leadership in promoting a competent nursing workforce to care for older adults.
Learning Objective 2: Relate implications for leadership in designing initiatives to promote a competent nursing workforce to care for a specific population in one’s own organization.
The organization’s Board of Directors designed a multipronged approach that demonstrates leadership in promoting a sufficient, competent nursing workforce. The four major goals are focused upon: (a) promoting access to quality health care with positive outcomes; (b) securing a sufficient and competent workforce; (c) gaining recognition for members’ expertise along with being valued as key to quality care; and (d) possessing an organizational image as an expert resource. Specific initiatives or activities are designed to promote achievement of these goals and will be discussed. For example, evidence-based practice documents, educational programs, and encouraging certification improve competencies. Defining gerontological nursing, creating position statements, recruiting students, sponsoring a consumer session at annual meetings, and launching marketing initiatives facilitate access and the value of gerontological nurses. Members’ contributions are recognized through award programs, publications, and development of a speaker’s bureau. Finally, recognition as an expert source for information is achieved by organizational collaborations, contributions to the scope and standards of practice, and responsiveness to requests from others.
The organizational leadership used in designing these initiatives has implications for other health care systems, educational programs, and professional organizations interested in ensuring a sufficient and knowledgeable nursing workforce to care for other populations. These will be delineated.