Learning Objective #1: Recognize barriers that impede minority nurses' successful transition into leadership roles

Learning Objective #2: Identify strategies that can enhance the development of minority nurse leaders

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Minority and disadvantaged communities lag behind the general U.S. populations on nearly all health status indicators. Traditionally minorities have had less access to preventative health care than the majority population, and research indicates that mainstream health education activities often fail to reach minority populations.

Special efforts are needed to effectively disseminate health information services to this large, underserved population. The most effective community-based health promotion and disease prevention programs that target minorities are those that are developed and implemented by culturally sensitive, highly trained health care professionals with a deep understanding of the unique needs of minority populations.

The Minority Nurse Leadership Institute seeks to address the urban health care crisis by preparing nurses of color with the leadership and management skills necessary to render effective, efficient health care for urban residents,. The Institute provides training that prepares participants to enter partnerships with community based organizations that serve minority populations and influence public policy. A key element of the program is to encourage participants to pursue advanced degrees in nursing.

The Minority Nurse Leadership Institute accepts nurses of color to develop and implement a community service project relevant to their professional interests and Healthy People 2010, under the guidance of an assigned mentor. Thusly, there is the potential for an immediate benefit to the residents of the communities the participants choose for their projects.

A comprehensive and creative program of study is aimed at developing the personal, professional and organizational skills of the participants, thereby enhancing the health care of urban and poor residents, through health promotion and prevention activities.