The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, part of Penn Medicine, has launched a fellowship program to support the growth of nurses from underrepresented backgrounds.
The 12-month diversity nurse leader fellowship program aims to provide nurses committed to promoting diversity, either as a member of an underrepresented group or as an ally, with the skills needed to take on leadership roles, according to a Dec. 6 blog post from the health system.
"Nationwide, minority nurses are underrepresented in leadership positions," said Barbara Todd, DNP, director of practice and education of advanced practice at HUP. "The DNLF program was developed in response not only to that concern, but also in response to feedback from our clinical nurses who are passionate about increasing diversity within HUP's nursing leadership," she said.
The inaugural cohort of six nurses will start the program in January. The program curriculum includes didactic content, reflective practice, project work and monthly sessions. It was co-created by nursing leaders at the hospital and at its Abramson Family Center for Nursing Excellence.