Around the Commonwealth: Tomorrow’s leading lights in nursing given boost

Thirty-two young nurses from Malaysia were taught the value of leadership during a workshop organised by the Commonwealth Nurses Federation earlier this month.

Structured over two days in Kuala Lumpur, the training workshop sought to equip nurses identified as having the potential to become leaders in their profession with knowledge, skills and confidence.

Susie Kong, President of the Commonwealth Nurses Federation and one of the trainers, said that with “better education” the nurses would be more able to care for patients and drive through change.

She said: “In this part of the world a lot of nurses are seen as doers rather than leaders – it is a very paternalistic culture. Lots [of nurses] don’t have the confidence to lead, although in the workplace they are actually leading care.”

As well as leadership skills, the training programme covered issues of governance. “We looked at what is governance, what is the role of the board [of governors and trustees in a hospital], and their responsibilities,” Ms Kong added.

“The nurses had not been exposed to this before, so there was very little understanding about this. We explained what is governance and talked about how it is implemented in different organisations.”

Later training workshops, scheduled for October and December 2009, will cover issues such as strategic planning, advocacy, lobbying and communication. The programme, funded by the Commonwealth Foundation, has been organised in co-operation with the Malaysian Nurses Association.

Founded in 1973, the Commonwealth Nurses Federation represents national nursing and midwifery associations across the Commonwealth.

As well as working to strengthen leadership in nursing, the federation aims to influence health policy, develop nursing networks and improve standards and competence.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Malaysia
• Health

Related News:

• Commonwealth Nurses Federation