What are the reasons nurses/midwives from LMICs do not take leadership/managerial role in the healthcare system? (6)

18 February, 2022

Dear colleagues,

Having managed a hospital before, I noticed before I took charge how junior nurses were hindered, suppressed and demoralised by senior nurses called matrons.

In a small way, I requested of the matrons to put in writing how they wished to develop young ones into leadership. It was a tragedy none of them could come up with a well streamlined plan.

I then asked all nurses at my hospitals to briefly write where they saw themselves in 3 to 5 years.

Based on what the junior nurses wrote I now made a plan to help them through to the chagrin of the senior nurses, but they dare challenged me.

It's the people in positions of influence who demoralise nurses.

Kind regards

Mulenga Lwansa Ph.D

HIFA profile: Dr. Mulenga is Zambian Pharmacist with over 24 years work experience in 4 different sub-Saharan Countries. He is a strong believer in UHC and Health Information for All. He hosts a radio show on Patient safety which is very well received in the communities. Piloted the first ART in Namibia 2001. Have worked in the Management Sciences for Health, Namibia and the UNDP/GFTAM South Sudan. He posses a Dual MPH/Ph.D Pharmacovigilance, USA and a B.Pharm, USDM. Email: lwansa AT yahoo.com He is a HIFA Country Representative http://www.hifa.org/support/members/mulenga