Inspiring Leadership, was the theme for the final Children’s Nursing Educators Forum for 2024, held on the 30^th October.

Jane Vos started off the meeting by reminding members of the value of being part of the Children’s Nursing Educator community and to reach out and connect to share resources and collaborate.

Members from different countries then had an opportunity to introduce themselves and discuss the number of students currently enrolled in child or neonatal nursing programmes in their institutions. Feedback was given from Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, Nigeria and from Bloemfontein and Cape Town in South Africa. Student numbers ranged from zero students (awaiting accreditation) up to 80 students.

Dr Yvonne Chauraya and Prof Minette Coetzee then facilitated a session on leadership.

Video Clips by Simon Sinek raised the topics for further discussion.

Firstly, the characteristics of a good leader, Courage – you just need one person to believe in you to have courage, Integrity – we all know what is right and the law is lower than that, and Communication – the skill of listening and speaking in a way that people hear you.

Secondly, leadership has nothing to do with rank!

Breakout rooms followed this presentation to allow for conversation time. Members discussed both varied and insightful reflections of leadership within their schools of nursing.