Sigma Nursing empowers nurses to develop timely leadership and communication skills.
SUCCESS STORY
Of the many challenges the pandemic created, it worsened an already existing shortage of nurses in the workforce. A number of healthcare leaders were leaving the profession or retired early, and many nurses had to fill their positions with little experience. This included being the point person speaking with patients and families going through extremely difficult experiences. “We have a desperate need for leadership development, especially now. And generally, nurses don’t get enough formal leadership training,” said Liz Madigan, Sigma CEO. In response to this need, Sigma Nursing used LinkedIn Learning to develop a nurse empowerment program. This helped nurses in clinical settings gain leadership skills to handle dire situations, take a more hands-on approach to patient care, and quickly prepare to advance in their career.
THE CHALLENGE
Lack of leadership experience
and ineffective communication
Because of the pandemic and the shortage of healthcare workers, nurses needed to take on leadership roles with little to no formal prior training. Many were frustrated and overwhelmed, especially those working in hospitals at the bedside. It was becoming increasingly important for them to communicate well under pressure when caring for patients and families, who were scared, angry, and only had their nurse to talk to. Sigma Nursing wanted to give nurses an easy way to learn vital soft skills so they could better handle difficult conversations. They needed a seamless, comprehensive learning solution to give them more career support and help them lead to the best of their ability.
THE SOLUTION
Support for nurses’ skills and career development
In collaboration with the Johnson & Johnson foundation, Sigma Nursing developed a nurse empowerment program through LinkedIn Learning. This program gave frontline nurses access to free, curated courses that could be taken anywhere and at any time, including courses like Being Positive at Work and Building Resilience. They even added general leadership courses not specific to healthcare to give nurses a breadth of understanding. Topics that covered critical communication skills in high stress situations and conflict resolution skills were crucial, as they impacted the conversations nurses had with colleagues, patients, and families. Nurses were also asked to fill out pre- and post-assessment surveys to identify outcomes. As a result of the program, nurses were able to gain confidence in their skills and rapidly prepare for leadership roles to better meet hospital needs and further their careers
Main product used:
THE RESULTS
Practical applications
93%
The majority of nurses found the LinkedIn Learning courses useful to their workplace leadership practice.
Career development
99%
Almost all participants said the program added value to their professional development as leaders.
Preparation for advancement
66%
Two-thirds of nurses who applied for or considered a promotion felt ready and willing because of the program.
Sigma Nursing
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma Nursing) is a nonprofit developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 135,000 active members and 600 chapters from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana, to Thailand, the United States, and Wales.
INDUSTRY:
Nonprofit/Healthcare
No. OF EMPLOYEES:
51-200 employees
HEADQUARTERS:
Indianapolis, IN
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