5 July 2021
First Nightingale Nursing Now Challenge graduates Launched at the 2019 International Council of Nurses Congress in Singapore, the Nightingale Challenge asked every health employer around the world to provide leadership and development training for a group of young nurses and midwives during 2020. Coinciding with the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday, COVID-19 delayed the rollout of the programme here until September last year. The then Executive Director of Nursing Mary Gordon and Canterbury DHB nurse leaders recognised the need to develop our nurse leaders for the future of the Canterbury Health System. Sixteen nurses, all under 35 years of age, were selected by their line managers and endorsed by the division’s Director of Nursing for having the skills and potential to be future nursing leaders. Over the next 9 months, in addition to their normal duties, the group undertook leadership training, mentorships, shadowed nurse leaders, attended leadership meetings and completed projects.
Pou Whirinaki Ruru Harepeka Nako Hona delivers the mihi
Last Tuesday, this first group to complete the Canterbury DHB Nightingale Challenge was recognised with a graduation that opened with a warm mihi and karakia from Pou Whirinaki at Burwood and Hillmorton Hospitals, Ruru Harepeka Nako Hona. Following a waiata, Nurse Coordinator Projects Cathy King and Nurse Coordinator Sankalpa, Jenny Gardner led the proceedings and Executive Director of Nursing Becky Hickmott presented the certificates. In her speech, Becky praised the group for their commitment to the programme and the positive impact it had on the Canterbury DHB’s nursing leaders. In June 2021 the programme became the Nursing Now Challenge with the lofty mandate of creating leadership opportunities for 100,000 nurses and midwives in more than 150 countries by the end of 2022. The Canterbury DHB Nursing Leadership team is committed to ongoing participation in the Nursing Now Challenge. Information for those interested will follow.
Canterbury DHB Nightingale Challenge group, back row from left: Makerita Rodgers, Leah Hackney, Theo Lao, Alice Bustin, Kelly Litchfield, Grace Derrick, Emma Densem. Front row from left: Mariah Schwalger, Avi Gosai, Andrea Churcher, Tania Palmer, Joan Maglonzo, Jemma McWilliam. Absent: Emma Davies, Amanda Davidson-Black, Sian Gimblett
13
