A nation-first training program to enhance leadership and management capabilities of South Australian nurses and midwives is being rolled out to foster a sustainable workforce and improved patient outcomes.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the new Transform, Inspire, Engage and Redesign (TIER) leadership and management program had been specifically designed to teach job-specific leadership skills to nurses and midwives.
“Leadership and management skills are not traditionally taught in undergraduate programs, and often expert clinical nurses and midwives find themselves in leadership positions without the specific training for their role,” Minister Wade said.
“There is a strong link between the capabilities of nurse and midwifery leaders, engagement with and satisfaction of their staff, and positive patient outcomes.
“By investing in our clinicians, we are empowering them with the right tools so they can best lead their teams and we are continuing to improve the quality of health care across South Australia.”
SA Health’s Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer, Jenny Hurley, said that the program will build on the existing capabilities of nursing and midwifery leaders, so they are best placed to inspire and motivate their teams.
“The role of the nursing and midwifery unit managers is pivotal in creating a contemporary professional environment that fosters a positive culture thereby enhancing consumers’ care experience,” Ms Hurley said.
“This program is specifically designed to deliver education tailored to the role of nurses and midwives working within SA Health, which will lead to further opportunities for post-graduate education.
“We currently have 21 participants including country and metropolitan leaders who are involved in the first intake and it’s expected that around 18 per cent of the nursing and midwifery unit management workforce will receive the training over the next three years.”
The TIER program focuses on developing the business leadership and management skills of nurse and midwife unit managers and is delivered across a yearlong program.
The program will be evaluated in partnership with the University of Adelaide and will redesign care delivery to meet the changing needs of the South Australian community.
