Leadership and Professional Development
We are committed to helping member hospitals develop leaders who are skilled in the art and science of leading people.
We do this by providing dynamic and affordable education and training for leaders and emerging leaders at all levels within hospitals and health systems. MHA’s annual Leadership Forum weaves together national thought leadership and peer best practices, providing a unique opportunity for hospital teams and trustees to learn and grow together. Our professional membership groups, which are unique to certain fields, provide leadership and knowledge sharing opportunities, in addition to education and networking. Finally, we offer formal and informal mentoring and coaching support.
Events & Education
Workshops, forums and on-demand learning to keep Missouri health care leaders informed, connected and prepared for change.
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Professional Membership Groups
The professional membership groups affiliated with MHA function as mission-driven, professional organizations that provide continuing education, networking, advocacy, professional development and leadership opportunities.
Preceptor Academy
The Preceptor Academy is a program designed for registered nurses and health care professionals to gain the training necessary to guide new employees, recent graduates, and students through the onboarding and competence validation process. Preceptor programs have been shown to reduce turnover and the high costs associated with hiring and retaining staff. The Preceptor Academy is being offered both in-person and virtually.
Clinical Faculty Academy
The Clinical Faculty Academy is a communitywide training program for registered nurses serving as adjunct clinical faculty at nursing schools in Missouri. This program is designed to develop qualified staff nurses for the role of clinical nurse educators to increase the faculty workforce, and expand and sustain enrollments in schools of nursing.
Through the Clinical Faculty Academy, clinical educators learn the core competencies and learner concepts necessary to serve as an adjunct clinical nurse faculty for local nursing schools, along with the skills necessary to guide and evaluate students and prepare written assignments.
Mentoring/Coaching
MHA provides resources to support mentoring and coaching initiatives within health care organizations. The Mentoring Toolkit is a complimentary training program available to MHA-member hospitals that includes resources to support the roles of mentor program coordinators, mentors and mentees. The Mentoring Toolkit is designed for use by hospital nurses and allied health professionals, and it can be used in new or established mentoring programs. This practical, how-to mentoring guide features best practices, questions to jump-start discussions, resources, checklists and activities.
The Power of Mentoring
Mentors who provide encouragement and support can help others navigate the challenges of working in a hospital setting. A mentor is a good listener who can offer advice and friendship in a trusted relationship.
Mentoring offers the opportunity for:
- professional enrichment and personal satisfaction
- socialization
- career growth, including certification
- increased knowledge and understanding of shared governance
- new challenges and opportunities
- improved hospital culture, productivity, and efficiency
- positive impacts on patient care and hospital performance
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