Nursing leadership is vital to the nursing profession. Leadership in nursing can help guide safe patient care, promote better teamwork, and even influence health policy. Some key leadership skills in nursing include communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, which you will start learning and practicing in nursing school.
The health care system resembles a finely tuned orchestra where the expertise of individuals harmonizes with the larger workflow to create a seamless performance. Just as an orchestra relies on the guidance of a conductor for each musician to play their part, the health care system depends on both its leaders and practitioners working in balance.
In nursing, leadership serves as the conductor, orchestrating the efforts of the team to ensure quality patient care, positive teamwork and professional growth. The vital role of nursing leadership underscores the profound impact nurses have on the success and sustainability of their profession and the health care system.
Harding University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing (ABSN) program in Arkansas could help you discover your leadership potential by learning from nurse leaders in action. If you have at least 64 non-nursing college credits or a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you could earn a BSN from Harding in as few as 16 months.
Consider what defines a nurse leader, the qualities of effective nurse leaders, leadership styles and key skills needed to succeed.
What Is Nursing Leadership?
Nursing leadership can be any nurse in a supervisory or managerial role who oversees the work of other nurses or health care team members. Nursing leadership encompasses more than formal titles or designated roles within the health care system. It refers to the ability of nurses to guide, influence and inspire others toward achieving shared goals in patient care and organizational success.
Whether through supervising teams, mentoring peers or advocating for patients, nurse leaders play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and delivering high-quality care, which can start in nursing school. Leadership in nursing is found at all levels, from bedside nurses taking charge during emergencies to senior administrators shaping policies that impact entire health care systems.
Why Leadership in Nursing Matters
Effective leadership in nursing is essential for achieving positive patient outcomes, boosting staff morale and maintaining the efficiency of health care systems. Strong nurse leaders create an environment where team members feel supported, valued and empowered to perform at their best. This, in turn, leads to improved patient safety, satisfaction and recovery rates.
Additionally, nurse leadership that emphasizes clear communication, empathy and accountability helps build trust and cohesion within health care teams, ensures that both staff and patients thrive in a culture of excellence, and reduces burnout among their colleagues.
Leadership Styles in Nursing
Just like no two people are the same, no two nurses lead the same way. Different leadership styles work best in certain industries. Here are four of the most common leadership styles and what they look like in nursing leaders:
- Transformational: Inspires and motivates teams to innovate and improve patient care. These nurse leaders often put forth new and engaging ways to make things run smoother or more efficiently for the team.
- Service-Oriented: Puts the needs of the team and patients first, fostering trust and collaboration. You’ll often see these nurse leaders putting on scrubs and jumping in on a busy or short-staffed shift or sharing knowledge with others in nurse education roles.
- Democratic: Encourages team input and values each team member’s voice in decision making. Democratic nurse leaders might find several solutions to a problem but accept the group’s preference in the final change. This can be effective in keeping the team motivated when they feel they have a say in how things run.
- Autocratic: Takes a directive approach, which is useful in high-stakes or emergency situations. These nurse leaders often have the most experience and don’t hesitate to take the reins to get things done due to their experience with similar situations.
Regardless of your leadership style, understanding how other leaders work best can give you a better perspective and help you support the overall mission of the team. Check out the American Nurses Association to learn more about other leadership styles in nursing.
Leadership Skills in Nursing: Key Competencies for Nurse Leaders
Nurse leaders have a core set of skills that sets them apart. Some might be stronger in one area or another, but the ability to adapt and multitask makes nurse leaders effective in their roles. Here are the essential skills for effective nurse leaders:
- Communication: Clear, compassionate communication is vital for patient care coordination. An effective nurse leader lets each team member know their role and supports them in doing their best to contribute to the team.
- Emotional Intelligence: This helps nurse leaders connect with patients and team members on an empathetic level. Effective nurse leaders provide feedback, praise, and recognition for a job well done while being constructive and sensitive when things need improvement.
- Critical Thinking: Critical thinking supports rapid decision-making and problem-solving. Nurse leaders with this skill are adaptable to many stressful situations often occurring at the same time.
- Problem Solving: Problem solving is key for resolving conflicts and finding effective solutions in patient care. This skill is essential for nurses throughout their careers, as there are often multiple stakeholders and solutions to a challenge. Nurse leaders must be able to look at the big picture to find the best solution.
- Adaptability: This trait allows nurse leaders to navigate constant changes in health care. Effective nurse leaders know how to pivot strategies when it’s best for the patient or team environment.
How to Develop Leadership Skills in Nursing
When starting your nursing career, you have several avenues to develop your nursing leadership skills. Aspiring nurse leaders gain experience and knowledge through direct and indirect ways:
- Formal Education: Nursing programs like Harding’s ABSN track incorporate leadership training into the curriculum and prepare students for health care leadership roles.
- On-the-Job Experiences: During your nursing school clinicals and in your first nursing job, seeking mentorship opportunities, taking the initiative when leadership opportunities arise, and learning from experienced nurse leaders can all help build your repertoire of nursing leadership skills.
- Continued Learning and Professional Development: Outside of clinicals and formal education there are many opportunities, such as workshops, certifications, professional organizations and nursing journals, that can help you stay up-to-date on the best practices in nursing.
Harding’s ABSN Program: Preparing Future Nurse Leaders
Strong nursing leadership has a trickle-down effect in providing the foundation for other nurses to deliver quality care and fostering a supportive health care environment. As a dedicated nursing student, you’ll begin to develop the skills and knowledge needed for formal and informal leadership roles throughout your career.
Harding’s ABSN program provides students with multiple paths to develop essential nursing leadership skills and advance their careers in health care. The program features a hybrid learning model that includes three main components:
- Online coursework covering nursing concepts and theory
- Hands-on skills labs and simulation labs
- Clinical experiences at local health care facilities
By committing to strong communication, critical thinking and adaptable leadership skills, our nursing graduates are equipped to take on the challenges facing the nursing profession, big and small.
Contact us today to learn more about Harding’s ABSN program and take the next step toward becoming a future nurse leader.