The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Leadership Mentoring Program: Ten years of positive outcomes

Background Nursing leadership programs can have a positive impact on organizations and communities. Health equity in nursing requires leaders who parallel the population demographics. Purpose This work evaluated the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Leadership Mentoring Program (LMP) 10 years from its inception. Lessons learned from this evaluation can inform leadership initiatives in nursing and other health professions. Method This cross-sectional evaluation applied the Context, Inputs, Process, and Products model to gauge effectiveness of the LMP. All 48 participants were invited to participate. Results Thirty-two survey respondents, a 67 % response rate, demonstrated a 767 % increase in extramural scholarship collaborations and promotion to associate and full professor at 43 % and 90 %, respectively. Academic leadership positions to department chair, assistant/associate dean, and dean increased 200 %, 167 %, and 100 %, respectively. Seventy-seven percent of program participants are engaged on boards and committees at local, state, national, and international levels. These roles significantly impact legislative, policy, advocacy, and regulatory efforts, signifying the LMP's influence on broader societal and professional domains. Conclusion Identifying clear program outcomes and metrics for leadership program evaluation can advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Sustainable funding models for leadership development will have a high return on investment for health professions.