Training nursing leaders to strengthen the workforce and influence global policies

Background/Issue: Nurses make up the majority of the healthcare workforce globally and in many countries provide most of the healthcare services.  However, nurses are not always at the decision-making table, and traditional nursing trainings in many countries do not always incorporate policy and leadership skills.  Globally, issues with workforce and task shifting can sometimes place nurses in a position of management without the necessary training or skills in leadership. Other times nurses may not feel they can add to policy-making discussions. 

Description: This presentation will highlight promoting nursing leadership through leadership trainings.  One example that will be discussed is the Afya Bora Consortium, a 12-month fellowship opportunity for health professionals from Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the U.S. to participate in a training that includes 12 topic modules, mentorship from global health leaders from 8 participating universities, and site placements with additional site mentorship within organizations working in global health.

Lessons Learned:

• There is a gap in traditional nursing education globally related to policy and leadership
• Nurses can have an impact within their organizations and communities
• South-South collaboration can improve health policy and services 

Implications: Leadership training, like the Afya Bora Fellowship, can be model that is translated into other communities, academic institutions, and organizations as a way to address health disparities and impact health policy both locally and abroad.