The nurse influences her subordinates to become productive using her personal traits

Leadership is foundational to success in every profession. Great leaders couple the effective management of organizations with inspiration, communication, insight, and direction. These qualities are especially important in the nursing field.

The ever-increasing need to improve the quality of care in our health care systems calls for effective leadership in nursing. Nursing leadership is an important tool in improving individual patient care and the health sector in general.

The Importance of Leadership Roles in Nursing

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), a nurse leader is a health care professional who has the passion to excel in the health care sector through the application of nursing leadership skills and principles. Nurse leaders focus on the quality of care and safety of patients at a high level, as well as lead and direct teams of nurse managers and resident nurses. Nurse leaders are advocates for the profession, patients, and other nurses to ensure a positive and professional work environment.

Other roles that nursing leaders fill include:

• Leading patient care initiatives
• Incorporating industry news and research into best practices
• Mentoring other nurses

Nurse management skills are necessary to shape and improve the health care industry as a whole. Plus, the effectiveness of nurse leaders directly correlates to the health outcomes of patients and communities.

5 Effective Leadership Skills in Nursing

Developing effective nurse leadership skills is crucial for nurses looking to advance in their careers. Growing as a leader often means focusing on a key set of skills that lend themselves to nursing leadership. These skills include:

Decision-Making

Nurse leaders are constantly faced with decisions both large and small, from setting policies for the nursing team to record maintenance. Resident nurses and other junior nurses look up to nurse leaders for day-to-day decision-making and advice. Efficient, clear, and effective decision-making skills will make for a more organized and direction-driven health sector.

Guidance

Nurse leaders must use interpersonal and motivational strategies to lead the individual and group trainee nurses under them. Through the mentorship of other nurses, nurse leaders cultivate an environment of continual learning and development within the health care system. They also set the standard for these younger nurses, who could one day grow to become nurse leaders themselves.

Conflict Resolution

In every organization, including the health care sector, conflict is unavoidable. Conflict resolution, a crucial nursing leadership skill, gives nurse leaders the capacity to resolve issues and improve teamwork, productivity, and patient satisfaction. Conflict resolution is also important in developing care plans and diagnoses for patients when members of the health care team may have differing opinions.

Effective Communication

A nurse leader must be equipped with top-notch communication skills to maximize success across the board. Effective communication can encourage collaboration among members of all levels and positions in the health care sector. Great communication is effective, precise, and involves active listening and feedback—especially when dealing with nurses in training.

Change Management or Adaptability

A critical leadership skill in nursing is the ability to evolve and adapt to the constant changes in the health care industry. Nurse leaders must face the uncertainty of both their day-to-day and the rapidly changing landscape of medicine. Plus, leaders must effectively communicate these changes to their subordinates.

Commitment to Educational and Professional Development

Continuous professional development is an important skill for nurse leaders to maintain throughout their careers. This allows them to maintain an up-to-date skill set and anticipate any changes or challenges ahead. Professional development for nurses can include pursuing a post-graduate degree centered around leadership, such as an MSN in Nursing Leadership. Continuing education can also take place in the form of certifications or credentials to enhance specific skills and overall practice.

The importance of leadership in nursing cannot be understated. Nurse leaders are responsible for making decisions and effecting positive changes in the health care world, and as such, should be properly equipped to take on this role.

These core qualities of leadership in nursing are crucial for every nurse looking to further their careers and impact in the field. For more information, including jobs and other leadership roles in nursing, head to our blog “What is the role of leadership in nursing?”

The Chicago School’s College of Nursing and Advanced Health Professions offers a Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Leadership Administration. This MSN program provides nurses with the key skills to become leaders in the field. Graduates of the two-year program can pursue careers as nurse managers, nursing directors, or chief nursing officers. Contact us to request more information.