In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Nurse Directors are essential in managing the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring that both patients and staff receive the necessary support. Stephanie Rackemann MACN, a dedicated nurse and midwife from rural Queensland, seized the invaluable opportunity to gain essential leadership skills and confidence through the Nurse Director Leadership Program, thanks to a scholarship from the Australian College of Nursing Foundation Bullwinkel Scholars Program. The intensive leadership development experience provided her with the tools to address the critical needs of her community and excel in her leadership role.
Stephanie’s nursing journey began with a focus on midwifery, where she witnessed the profound impact of compassionate care on families and communities. Her own experiences as a mother deepened her understanding of empathy and support during pivotal moments in life. Transitioning to a rural setting, Stephanie shifted her focus to providing care for individuals in their advanced years and those nearing the end of life, recognising the parallels between offering empathetic, family-centred support during both the birthing and dying processes. As a Bullwinkel Scholar, she is committed to furthering her expertise as a nursing leader and giving back to her community.
After completing the Nurse Director Leadership Program in Sydney, Stephanie was immersed in a wealth of innovative ideas and perspectives. She enjoyed learning from a variety of different speakers and found many new ways she could practice as a nurse in the years to come. This article shares some of the significant insights and lessons she gained from the program.
Leading with kindness is the way forward
I have noticed in my practice that I am well respected by my colleagues because I try hard to be personable and make lots of connections with my peers. I care about them, their practice, and encourage them through hard days. It was abundantly clear to me that leading with kindness and authentic leadership is the best way forward in nursing. It was reassuring to me that the work I am doing is important and the way I conduct myself at work is going to have a meaningful impact on my colleagues. Often, I have felt managers are viewed as bossy or mean but I recognise that we can absolutely show empathy for our team and still have firm boundaries and expectations. I enjoyed learning how the two mix and plan to implement some new strategies into my workplace.
Data is a huge, mindboggling field
The presenters that talked to us about data blew my mind. Their knowledge of their field was exceptional, and I started to gain some understanding about how I can best implement research and data to influence my workplace and health service. As a beginning manager, I’ve learnt what I need our clinicians to be doing, documenting and auditing to get the most out of our service. The advancement in technologies is also incredible to consider and with 30+ years left in the profession; I can’t wait to see where nursing will be when I’m in my final years.
Discovering diverse career paths
There are SO many opportunities available in this profession. I have always believed that opportunities will present themselves to me, but I feel so much more knowledgeable about the options out there, that when colleagues come to me burnt out, instead of leaving nursing all together, I feel there are other avenues they could be encouraged into, to work within the industry in a different setting. I hope to influence others into different work that is meaningful to them and keeps them practicing as nurses.
One achievement following the program is the work I have started on a rural Nurse Practitioner Candidate program. Using the skills I have gained through the course, I feel confident to tackle a new model of care in our HHS and hope to successfully start a ‘grow your own’ NP program for our area. This will lead to a new position that supports growth in colleagues and gives an opportunity that is not currently present. For our consumers, it means access to quality, timely health care that is becoming more difficult to access due to medical officer shortages. I have started work on a Business Case to present to our HHS executives and I look forward to seeing the success of the program in years to come.
Mostly, I have come away excited about the possibilities for the future. Nursing is in a hard spot presently. So many clinicians are burnt out. The systems feel broken and overwhelmed. Slowly though, we can make a difference and this course has taught me some different ways I can work to influence required changes. Many thanks to the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) for this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to do great things and acknowledge the influence ACN has had on that.
Are you ready to follow in Stephanie’s footsteps and set yourself apart as a leader? Enrolling in the ACN Nurse Director Leadership Program can empower you to achieve this goal. With modules covering Nursing Leadership and Strategy, High-Performing Teams Leading and Managing Quality Improvements, Clinical Governance, Human Resource Management and Communication, and Health Economics and Financial Management, you will gain the essential skills and knowledge to excel. Supported by six months of career coaching, you will receive expert guidance to practice meaningful, outcome-driven coaching conversations. Enhance your leadership capabilities and make a significant impact in health care.
Author: Stephanie Rackemann MACN
