Evaluating the Impact of the UCSF Nursing Leadership Program on Staff Retention, Promotion, and Engagement

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of the UCSF Leadership Institute on workforce outcomes, including staff retention, promotion, and employee engagement, within a complex healthcare organizational environment. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that triangulates quantitative data with qualitative insights from participant interviews, the research identifies leadership development program participation as a critical factor contributing to leadership competency growth. The conceptual framework elucidates the pathway through which participation fosters enhanced competencies, such as strategic thinking, communication, and mentorship, which in turn influence key workforce outcomes. This process is moderated by organizational factors. Positive moderators like leadership support and protected learning time amplify the program’s impact, whereas workplace constraints and structural barriers may limit the application of new skills and subsequent career advancement. Findings indicate that while leadership development is linked to higher retention and promotion rates, the magnitude of these benefits is contingent upon supportive workplace environments. The study highlights the importance of aligning leadership training with organizational context to optimize return on investment and advance equity in career progression. Recommendations include strengthening mentorship opportunities, expanding advanced training, and fostering institutional policies that support the translation of leadership competencies into practice.