Abstract

The aim(s) of the project/research: To produce cutting-edge nurses and midwives with specialist competencies who are motivated in leading and developing the future of nursing and midwifery as specialist Nurses and Midwives in Ghana, Africa and beyond Problem statement: what is the problem/gap addressed by the project/research. The Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives seek to promote Specialist education, continuous Professional development and Postgraduate nursing, midwifery and related programmes and also contribute to the formulation of policies to improve health care. The College aims to build upon foundations set and strengthen competencies through Academics, Clinical care, Sense of professionalism, Research, Leadership and Management drive. Specialty programmes are designed to be highly practical oriented with 30% academic work and 70% Practicals. Courses are modular and self-driven with the support of accredited training sites of the college.

Methodology: 30% Competency-based teaching and learning approaches using a robust curriculum developed through assessment of needs and global/regional best practices coupled with 70% clinical practicum is employed over a period of 3years full time education.

Results: Ongoing: Residents successfully received exposure into 2nd block of academic programme. Residents are showing signs of leadership and drive to care. Clinical practicum to be implemented in May to assess level of competence after the first academic year.

Conclusions: Specialist training through Fellowship professional Colleges creates opportunities for professional nurses and midwives to develop themselves into high level clinicians and academicians through mentoring and competency-based teaching and learning. Lessons learned: Fellowship specialist programmes must be backed by strong political will and institutional commitment to drive a concept into a reality In developing a new programme, access to fully committed faculty could be challenging Recommendations for research: Assessment of impact of care by specialist nurses and midwives and implications for continuing academic development Recommendations for practice: In order to develop strong specialists in nursing and midwifery, competency based approach to teaching and clinically focused curriculum are critical for success.

Authors

Mary Ama Opare

Author Details

Mary Ama Opare, RN, DipEd, CertMidwifery

Sigma Membership

Mu Sigma

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Specialist Nurses/ Midwives, Sense of Professionalism, Leadership Drive

Conference Name

Leadership Connection 2016

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Conference Year

2016

Rights Holder

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Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Fellowship programme for nurses and midwives: Action plan for quality care delivery in Ghana

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

The aim(s) of the project/research: To produce cutting-edge nurses and midwives with specialist competencies who are motivated in leading and developing the future of nursing and midwifery as specialist Nurses and Midwives in Ghana, Africa and beyond Problem statement: what is the problem/gap addressed by the project/research. The Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives seek to promote Specialist education, continuous Professional development and Postgraduate nursing, midwifery and related programmes and also contribute to the formulation of policies to improve health care. The College aims to build upon foundations set and strengthen competencies through Academics, Clinical care, Sense of professionalism, Research, Leadership and Management drive. Specialty programmes are designed to be highly practical oriented with 30% academic work and 70% Practicals. Courses are modular and self-driven with the support of accredited training sites of the college.

Methodology: 30% Competency-based teaching and learning approaches using a robust curriculum developed through assessment of needs and global/regional best practices coupled with 70% clinical practicum is employed over a period of 3years full time education.

Results: Ongoing: Residents successfully received exposure into 2nd block of academic programme. Residents are showing signs of leadership and drive to care. Clinical practicum to be implemented in May to assess level of competence after the first academic year.

Conclusions: Specialist training through Fellowship professional Colleges creates opportunities for professional nurses and midwives to develop themselves into high level clinicians and academicians through mentoring and competency-based teaching and learning. Lessons learned: Fellowship specialist programmes must be backed by strong political will and institutional commitment to drive a concept into a reality In developing a new programme, access to fully committed faculty could be challenging Recommendations for research: Assessment of impact of care by specialist nurses and midwives and implications for continuing academic development Recommendations for practice: In order to develop strong specialists in nursing and midwifery, competency based approach to teaching and clinically focused curriculum are critical for success.