An evaluation of a student-led nursing leadership symposium

Abstract

This paper evaluates an innovative student-led nursing leadership symposium at a Southern California university, specifically designed to bridge educational and practical leadership gaps in nursing with a focus on students from underrepresented groups. Integrating Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies, the symposium encouraged active participation, self-reflection, and teamwork. It featured interactive panel discussions with nurse leaders and collaborative learning opportunities aimed at developing leadership knowledge, skills, and action. Participant feedback underscored significant personal and professional growth, particularly in communication, delegation, and collaboration skills. This initiative contributes significantly to the discourse on diversifying nursing leadership and provides a replicable model for leadership development in nursing education programs, emphasizing the symposium's pivotal role in enhancing inclusivity and equipping future nurse leaders from diverse backgrounds.