AIMS: This study describes the background, development and delivery of an innovative approach to prepare elected state association leaders for their new leadership roles in their respective state organizations. BACKGROUND: State-based professional associations face unprecedented threats to scope of practice in the current volatile healthcare environment. In 2009 the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) began offering a Leadership Development 'Boot Camp' for all nurse anesthetist state association presidents-elect designed with the intent of providing the participants with information, resources and tools they need in their new role. METHODS: An organizational assessment examined the philosophy of and need for leadership development across the entire organizational structure. RESULTS: Recommendations from the assessment included the need for intensive leadership development at the state level. A 3-day intensive workshop was designed and implemented. Adult learning theory was used for its development. CONCLUSIONS: The success of this programme has lead to its implementation as part of leadership development of the AANA. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers and elected volunteer leaders in state-based professional associations face similar challenges requiring sound leadership ability. Principles applied to the development of the AANA programme can be applied to leadership development for new nurse managers.
AIMS: This study describes the background, development and delivery of an innovative approach to prepare elected state association leaders for their new leadership roles in their respective state organizations. BACKGROUND: State-based professional associations face unprecedented threats to scope of practice in the current volatile healthcare environment. In 2009 the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) began offering a Leadership Development 'Boot Camp' for all nurse anesthetist state association presidents-elect designed with the intent of providing the participants with information, resources and tools they need in their new role. METHODS: An organizational assessment examined the philosophy of and need for leadership development across the entire organizational structure. RESULTS: Recommendations from the assessment included the need for intensive leadership development at the state level. A 3-day intensive workshop was designed and implemented. Adult learning theory was used for its development. CONCLUSIONS: The success of this programme has lead to its implementation as part of leadership development of the AANA. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers and elected volunteer leaders in state-based professional associations face similar challenges requiring sound leadership ability. Principles applied to the development of the AANA programme can be applied to leadership development for new nurse managers.