Sustaining Success: The Evolving Impact of a Global Leadership Mentoring Programme

Abstract

Aim: To report the progress made from evaluating the fourth cohort of a year-long global leadership mentoring programme, pairing early career nurse leaders with more established leaders across different global regions. Additionally, groups of five pairs, facilitated by an experienced coordinator, were used. Introduction: Recent evidence reinforces the value of formal structured mentorship programmes to support nurse leadership development, organisational efficiency and patient outcomes. Methods: A survey approach using both pre- and post-survey questionnaires was refined from previous cohorts and reported using the STROBE checklist. Using closed questions supported by three open-ended questions, participants focused on their expectations, cultural understanding and leadership. Data were collected between 2021 and 2023, from a total of 26 pairs and analysed utilising descriptive statistics and thematic analysis using the mixed-methods appraisal tool. Findings: Data were merged to form the three themes of commitment, confidence and cultural competence and their impact on global leadership. The majority of dyads gained considerably from the programme, both within their pairs but also in the small coordinator groups, gaining a broader perspective and wider network of global leaders to connect with long after completion of the programme. Conclusion: The use of small coordinator groups enhances the already successful individual global mentoring. More work to develop policy discussions and accessible connections in these small groups potentially enhances cultural competence and leadership skills. Implications for Nursing and Nursing Policy: Individual mentoring supported by small facilitator groups could be considered as a policy imperative by the International Council of Nurses and National Nursing Councils to encourage wider networking opportunities and learning across different cultures in a secure environment to prepare for leadership on a global stage and enhance care standards.