QNI announces next stage in leadership journey

The QNI has rebranded its leadership programme for senior nurse leaders working at Director, Deputy, Associate or Assistant Director or equivalent role in a community or primary care setting.

The Leading Strategically Programme, formerly known as the Executive Nurse Leaders programme, is designed to support and develop participants into future senior leaders by strengthening and developing their current skills.

The scope of the programme is to embrace new ways of leading, managing and delivering community services.

The programme provides ‘time to think’ for senior nurse leaders to focus on the ‘self’, to understand what it means to ‘be you’ in organisation and team contexts and within systems.

It introduces tools and skills enabling nurses to succeed at a strategic level and to improve their confidence as leaders, affirming that they have worked hard to reach a leadership position and that they have the skills to be there.

The programme is professionally life changing and offers a space to meet with other like-minded people (becoming a Community of Practice) who become close colleagues and perhaps friends for life.

A former participant said: “I had no idea what to expect but I do believe this has changed me forever.

“I am more confident of my own abilities. I believe in my own expertise. I add value and I feel empowered to stand up for my beliefs, ethics, and quality standards.”

Originally launched in 2017, the QNI leadership programmes have empowered more than 150 nurses, marking a significant milestone in fostering leadership excellence within community nursing and the healthcare workforce.

Dr Cate Wood, The QNI’s Director of Nursing Programmes (Leadership & Standards), is committed to building upon past strengths and successes, whilst constantly refining the programmes to meet contemporary need and incorporating feedback from participants.

Dr Wood said: “The QNI is dedicated to fostering a new generation of leaders in the community setting, equipped to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.

“With a reimagined programme, we empower nurses from diverse backgrounds to unlock their full potential and drive positive change in healthcare in the community.”

Feedback from the Executive Nurse Leader 2023 cohort included comments such as:

“Truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to be part of the course. Value the residential element.

“Providing a safe space to be able to be a little vulnerable without judgement and with the opportunity to learn from this has been amazing. I know it will help with my growth of myself.”

Employers from across the healthcare sector recognise the significant value of the QNI’s Leading Strategically Programme in upskilling their nursing staff.

The QNI has 12 fully funded places (funded by the National Garden Scheme) for Queen’s Nurses on the Leading Strategically programme, who are working at a senior level in a community or primary care setting, including the charity or independent sector.

Applications will open at the end of October – you can find more information about the programme and the eligibility here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Leadership Programme Team on qnileaders@qni.org.uk.