Transformational Leadership in Nursing: A Pilot Nurse Leader Development Program

Current research reveals that staff nurses are routinely placed into front-line leadership roles with little formal preparation. The purpose of this project was the development, implementation, and evaluation of a pilot nurse leader development program for nurse leaders at a small community hospital located in Clarksville, Indiana. This study consisted of a quasi-experimental design, with the intervention consisting of a leadership course delivered to a convenience sample of nurses in managerial positions. Leadership attributes was quantified, both pre/post interventions, through the administration of the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), a Likert-scaled survey. The LPI was administered to the nurse leaders, their subordinates, peers, and superiors, in order that a three hundred and sixty-degree perspective to be obtained. Data gathered from the pre-intervention administration drove the curriculum of the intervention, tailoring the course to the needs of the participants. The intervention consisted of a nurse leadership class offered by the investigator, a seasoned nurse leader. The program was delivered in one-hour, bi-weekly classes, offered over a two-month period. All study participants completed the LPI at the beginning of the study and following completion of the leadership course. The LPI captured both positive and negative feedback regarding leadership behaviors of the nurse leaders from the perspective of their peers, direct reports, observers, and supervisors. Development of the study intervention was a curriculum aimed at assisting the nurse leader in maximizing individual strengths while developing strategies to overcome weaknesses. Pre- and post-data collection of the LPI assessments was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program

Multistate Hepatitis A Outbreak: Vaccination of Food Service Workers as Part of the Kentucky Outbreak Response

Background: In August 2017, a local outbreak of Hepatitis A was identified among homeless individuals in Louisville, Kentucky. This marked the first cases in what has now become recognized as the largest Hepatitis A outbreak in the US. When infection was identified in a Food Service Worker (FSW), vaccination efforts were expanded to target this group. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe: 1) the processes used to provide access to Hepatitis A vaccine for FSWs, 2) results from the immunization activities, and 3) lessons learned from the outcomes. Methods: Through a partnership between the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMDPHW) and the University of Louisville Division of Infectious Diseases, a novel approach to vaccination was implemented. Access to vaccine was provided via on-site immunization in 66 restaurants and subsequent availability in a pop-up vaccination clinic. Data were collected using the LMDPHW data collection form and included demographics, risk factors for Hepatitis A, and vaccine documentation. Results for those vaccinated March-December 2018 were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: On-site vaccination was provided to 1337 FSW at 66 restaurants during the seven (7) week period from March 28-May 15, 2018. This process involved a team of 42 including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses, Physicians, and UL team members. During the 35 weeks the walk-in clinic has been in operation (May 16-December 31, 2018), 3068 additional FSW were vaccinated for a total of 4405 FSWs vaccinated as part of the outbreak response. Critical partners included the Kentucky Restaurant Association and the Kentucky Nurses Association. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a successful model for vaccination of a novel population during an infectious disease outbreak and the importance of expanding partnership networks to ensure success. The outcomes emphasized the importance of the resources available in the academic community for reliable and consistent public health emergency response