Nurse academic to head QNI’s community leaders programme

A nurse academic has been appointed to head a development programme for future leaders in community nursing.

Sharon Aldridge-Bent, who has a district and specialist nursing background, will be programme manager for the Future Community Leaders scheme at the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

The programme will be available to experienced Queen’s nurses with the potential to secure a senior board-level position in the next 3-5 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Developing leaders

Ms Aldridge-Bent, most recently a senior nursing lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University, said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to take up a new challenge at the QNI and help develop the community nurse leaders of the future.

‘I am passionate about the delivery of quality healthcare closer to home and in particular the role that community nurses can play in influencing and leading care across the primary care and community setting.’

Nurses who participate in the programme will receive professional and personal development training and support.

QNI chief executive Crystal Oldman said: ‘We are committed to a future where nurse leaders have the knowledge, skills, confidence and experience to inspire, lead and manage services and systems.’