Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) announced Sept. 1 that is creating a leadership development program dubbed the Academy for Diverse Emerging Nurse Leaders. The program aims to improve diversity among nurse leaders.
Pamela Jeffries, dean of Vanderbilt School of Nursing was quoted in an article about the program saying that “The need for nursing faculty and nurse leaders from groups historically underrepresented in nursing is well established, but research shows a need for career development resources that address the specific needs and challenges of diverse nurse leaders. We believe that the knowledge, mentorship, strategy and skills that new leaders will attain via the Academy for Diverse Emerging Nurse Leaders will empower them to continue to advance and lead.”
Rolanda Johnson, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N., VUSN was also quoted saying that “What makes this fellows program different from other professional development opportunities is that it incorporates and builds on the lived experiences of diverse faculty and healthcare leaders who have navigated a similar leadership path. It explores the challenges of being a leader from an underrepresented group as well as the challenges of supporting and expanding diversity in nursing leadership.”
The program will be taught by experienced faculty and healthcare leaders from diverse backgrounds. There will be an initial five-day, in-person meeting and fellows will also be required to participate in virtual sessions, receive mentorship from an executive coach and institutional mentor and develop a leadership project. The program will focus on the particular needs of new and emerging nurse leaders and faculty.
According to the article from VUSN, “…the academy was developed to help new nursing faculty and new nurse leaders build the skills, gain the knowledge, and build a network of colleagues and mentors to help them advance their careers, and in turn, mentor other emerging nurse leaders.”
The Academy for Diverse Emerging Nurse Leaders will take place in Nashville Nov. 14-18. Applications for the inaugural class of fellows are now being accepted and can be accessed here.
