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Empowerment of front‐line leaders in an online learning, certificate programme
Author(s) -
Abel Sarah E.,
Hall Mellisa,
Swartz Mary Jane,
Madigan Elizabeth A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.12933
Subject(s) - front line , empowerment , certificate , nursing , intervention (counseling) , health care , medicine , psychology , medical education , political science , algorithm , computer science , law
Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of an online learning, certificate programme for front‐line nurse leaders' sense of empowerment. Background Front‐line leaders play a crucial role in health care. Current training is often inadequate. The Institute of Medicine report on The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2010) recommends nurses at all levels receive training for their role. Methods A pre‐ to post‐study design was used; instruments included Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire, Psychological Empowerment Scale, intent to stay, and self‐reported knowledge and effectiveness of intervention questions. This study evaluated the effects of online learning for 29 acute care front‐line leaders in the USA and Australia. Results Structural empowerment significantly improved, pre‐assessment ( M = 18.50, SD = 1.6940) to post‐assessment ( M = 19.47, SD = 1.6940). There was no significant difference in intent to stay or overall psychological empowerment. Participants agreed (24/29, 83%) the intervention contributed to their ‘sense of empowerment in their role’ and ‘ability to create an empowering work environment’. Conclusion Online learning was effective and could be integrated into orientation and/or continuing education plans to develop empowering work environments. Implications for Nursing Management Online learning may be a means of educating and empowering front‐line leaders for their role.