Leading for Tomorrow Today - Mid-Career Leadership

About the 'Leading for Tomorrow Today' program

Through the Office of the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer and in collaboration with the University of Tasmania, the Department of Health offer an exciting professional development opportunity for mid-career nurses and midwives. The program is custom designed to enhance the confidence and leadership capability of Tasmanian nurses and midwives.

The Tasmanian Nursing and Midwifery Mid-Career Leadership Program is a biannual professional development experience titled, Leading for Tomorrow Today.

Learning Objectives

The program empowers participants to:

• explore new ways of thinking about challenges and opportunities in leadership
• enhance their understanding of leadership to engage strategically and productively
• strengthen their communication skills to motivate team members and stakeholders
• value diverse perspectives to encourage reflection, skill sharing, and collaboration.

Eligibility

To be eligible applicants must:

• be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as a registered nurse or registered midwife
• be working in, or aspiring towards, a nursing/midwifery leadership role in Tasmania
• have greater than five-years post registration nursing or midwifery experience
• agree to the complete online study modules within the program timeframes
• attend two residential intensives  
• complete and submit the online application via the portal by the closing date
• accept the program terms and conditions through a signed agreement.

Program Structure

The program is delivered using a blended approach of self-directed online study and residential intensives to complement and consolidate learnings.

Online Study Modules

Self-directed online study modules are facilitated as a short course by the University of Tasmania.

The short course is comprised of two six-week modules. Instructions for registration will be provided to successful applicants when notified of the application outcome. Participants who successfully complete Leading for Tomorrow Today may be eligible to apply for study credit with the University of Tasmania to pursue postgraduate studies in the specialty stream, ‘Leadership in Practice’ in the School of Nursing.

Module One, ‘Leading people and place’

Explores and challenges the perceptions of leadership and empowers participants to develop a collaborative, strategic, and adaptive leadership mindset.

Module Two, ‘Organisational leadership and the nurse/midwife leader’

Encourages participants to explore their role within the political landscape and engage with a future focus to adapt and evolve with challenges and opportunities.

Residential Intensive

Participants will gather face-to-face at the end of each module for residential intensives; consolidating their learnings with dynamic, engaging, and insightful sessions from remarkable guest presenters who will influence and inspire.

The first residential intensive is two days and the second is three days. Residential intensives are catered events and include morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Travel and Accommodation

Travel will be required by all participants for at least one residential intensive. Workplace leave and transport arrangements are the responsibility of the individual participant.

• Accommodation is provided for participants required to travel
• Successful applicants will be asked to complete an online form to indicate accommodation and dietary requirements.

Program Key Dates

In 2024, the program will be offered twice. A separate expression of interest process will be conducted for Group 1 and 2. 

*Residential intensive locations (region) subject to change on review of successful applicant regional split

Application

Applications can only be submitted online.

The application portal for Group 1 will open on 15 January 2024 and close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 4 February 2024.

Each application will be assessed against the program eligibility and selection criteria. Assessors will consider the applicant’s learning objectives and response to how learnings will be applied to positively influence nursing and midwifery professions.

Applicants will be advised in writing via email of the outcome of their application on 14 February 2024.

Applications for Group 2 open on 30 May 2024.

Selection Criteria

The applicant must:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the program learning objectives and requirements
2. Identify their learning objectives for participation in the program
3. Outline how they will transfer learnings to positively influence nursing and midwifery professions
4. Be working in, or have an aspiration to move into a leadership role
5. Provide evidence of manager support to participate in the program.

Terms and Conditions

If successful, program participants agree to:

• self-register for University of Tasmania online modules by the specified date
• complete both modules within the specified timeframes
• attend both residential intensives  
• actively participate in all sessions
• complete a short presentation at the second residential intensive
• be willing to participate in the program evaluation

Exclusions

Successful application does not:

• grant funding for professional development leave to complete online modules and/or attendance at residential intensives (this must be negotiated with the individual work unit)
• guarantee place in first preference group
• allow deferral of successful application
• guarantee admission to future rounds if the participant withdraws 

Applications will not be assessed if they:

• do not meet the eligibility criteria
• are not submitted using the online application portal
• are incomplete
• are submitted after the closing date

Further information and feedback

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer for further information.

Contact the Office of the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a mid-career nurse or midwife?

A mid-career nurse or midwife would be considered to have 5-7+ years or post-registration nursing and/or midwifery experience.

I am a nurse/midwife employed in the private sector; can I apply?

Yes, all nurses and midwives working in Tasmania are invited to apply.

How will applications be assessed?

Applications will be assessed against the eligibility and selection criteria.

When will I be notified of my application outcome?

Applicants will be advised via email the outcome of their application,.

Where will the Residential Schools be held?

Residential Schools will be based in Hobart and Launceston but remain subject to change depending on the region split of successful applicants. Attendance at both residential schools is required.

Will I receive recognition for participating in this program?

Yes, you will receive a certificate from the University of Tasmania when the online short-course is completed, and evidence from the Department of Health when all program requirements are achieved.