Sub-regional Workshop on Chief Nursing Officer Competencies: in support of Universal Health Coverage (Barbados, 7-9 March 2016)

Abstract

Chief Nursing Officers from 17 Member States, along with permanent secretaries, medical officers of health, senior academic staff of University of the West Indies and national schools of nursing, senior planning staff of ministries of health attended the subregional meeting. It brought together for the first time, the management team from a select number of countries in order for them to have a better understanding of the challenges faced by CNOs as members of the senior management team in their respective countries. The main objectives of the meeting were to review and discuss gaps and challenges on competencies for chief nursing/midwifery officers; review and identify areas for strengthening the roles and responsibilities of chief nursing officers, including in support of universal health coverage, universal access and the SDGs; and to develop a plan of action for the process of strengthening competencies, with a time line.. In order for CNOs to lead and address the challenges of the 21st century with new and re-emerging diseases, they need to be aware of the competencies that are required, and apply them to the policy environment in which they operate.