Human Resources for Health: Advancing Nursing in Haiti—A Qualitative Evaluation of a Master's Level Nursing Faculty Development Project

Using an educate-the-educator model, this partnership responds to an international imperative to build human resource capacity among Haitian nurses. We created a graduate program of study for nursing faculty in leadership and education at the State University of Haiti. This paper describes a process and impact evaluation of the Regis College Haiti Project (RCHP). Semi-structured interviews explored key-informant perceptions. A purposeful sample of faculty, deans, and community leaders was used. A researcher interviewed stakeholders in French (the preferred language of the Ministry of Health) on professional responsibilities, leadership skills and teaching practices. Salient findings include: 1) increasing use of leadership skills; 2) enhanced respect from allied professionals, community members, peers, and managers; 3) improved competence developing teaching materials; and 4) increasing classroom engagement. Understanding perceived impact informs next steps in promoting professional development. Further, it advances ownership and self-efficacy among faculty and stakeholders within health care and higher education.