New York University College of Nursing’s Leadership Institute of Black Nurses (LIBN) was honored by The Council of the City of New York in regular session business on May 31, 2012, to congratulate the Institute upon the graduation of its 100th participant since its inception just seven years ago.
On May 31, Speaker Christine Quinn and the New York City Council honored the NYU Leadership Institute of Black Nurses (LIBN), congratulating the Institute upon the graduation of its 100th participant since its inception just seven years ago.
The LIBN was founded not only to advance black nurses’ careers but also to address the extreme disparities in health between African-Americans and other groups in the United States. The Institute’s founder, NYU College of Nursing alumna Yvonne Wesley, emphasizes that both race and gender have historically been barriers to career advancement.
“The Institute helps the Fellows express and pursue their career goals within the workplace and negotiate across an uneven table,” said Wesley, who currently serves as an NYUCN adjunct associate professor of nursing, and as the director of the LIBN.
“We are grateful for the Council’s continued support of the Institute.”
The Speaker was joined by a number of her fellow members to present a Proclamation from the Council for the City of New York. "The Leadership Institute for Black Nurses ensures that a diversified nurse leadership is available to support the diverse patience population which makes our City such an extraordinary place to live,” it stated. “With our continued support, we can help all nurses break through racial and gender barriers and inspire our daughters and granddaughters to reach for their highest aspirations.”
“Be it known that the Council of the City of New York honors the NYU Leadership Institute of Black Nurses for its outstanding service and contributions to the community.”
Judith Haber, dean of the NYU College of Nursing, offers a context for the founding of LIBN. “This program was established in keeping with a long tradition of commitment to black nursing leadership at the NYU College of Nursing, ” said Haber.
“With the grant from the City Council, the Institute’s commitment to education and mentorship has been greatly enhanced. We are delighted by, and appreciative of, the City Council’s generous support and commitment to developing leaders in nursing.”
The New York University Leadership Institute for Black Nurses serves as a resource to empower nurses that seek career advancement in administration, education, and research. The LIBN holds six monthly training sessions, addressing topics such as individual efficacy, leadership paradigms, negotiation, and collaboration. Each participant is paired with a leading African-American nurse in the New York City area who serves as project mentor and advisor on a particular community-health project. More than sixty-nine percent of participants hold master’s degrees, and all serve in management-level positions. Participants not only build on personal strengths to develop leadership ability, but also gain practical management skills, such as developing a vision, evaluating and measuring program outcomes, and understanding health care management and finances.
The New York University College of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education, research, and practice. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Arts and Post-Master’s Certificate Programs; a Doctor of Philosophy in Research Theory and Development, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. For more information, visit www.nyu.edu/nursing
