Identifying the constructs of empowering nurse leader communication through an instrument development process

Abstract

Aim The purpose of this article was to describe the constructs of empowering front‐line nurse leader communication behaviours. Background Leaders’ communication behaviours are instrumental in establishing a positive work environment. Nurse empowerment, a characteristic of a positive work environment, is influenced by communication behaviours. However, characteristics of empowering nurse leader communication behaviours have not been well‐defined. Methods The constructs of empowering nurse leader communication behaviours were identified and refined during the instrument development process. A priori constructs were identified through a literature search, presented to focus groups of military nurses (N = 16), and refined during the procedures of item development. Results Eight final constructs emerged as a result of the iterative methods of item development: comprehensibility, listening, openness, feedback, empathy, nonverbal, paralanguage and manner. Conclusion The constructs that describe empowering nurse leader communication behaviours are based on theoretical tenets of empowering communication and leadership, as well as the perspectives of military nurses. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers can use the findings to implement innovative leadership assessments and training that focuses on Nurse Leader communication to enhance the nursing workplace environment.

Communication Skills and Transformational Leadership Style of First-Line Nurse Managers in Relation to Job Satisfaction of Nurses and Moderators of This Relationship

“…The evaluation of CS is based on a tool developed by Hopkinson et al [75], which characterizes front-line nurse leader communication behaviors and was identified according to the principles of instrument development by DeVellis [76]. Unlike other constructs, it focuses on leadership communication in the healthcare setting and its impact on nurse empowerment.…”

Communication Skills, Problem-Solving Ability, Understanding of Patients’ Conditions, and Nurse’s Perception of Professionalism among Clinical Nurses: A Structural Equation Model Analysis

“…In addition, these factors are negatively affected not only in the work of the nurse but also in the perception of the profession. Communication skills are associated with both the formation of relationships with patients and the ability to perform holistic nursing [ 20 ]. In order to improve and develop the overall nursing function of a clinical nurse like this, it is important to complement the relevant integrated nursing abilities [ 21 , 22 ].…”

The Importance of Relational Skills in the Management of the team in the Healthcare Sector, With Particular Reference to the Nurse Leader Role: An opinion

“…What are the personality characteristics that the nurse leader must possess in order to get the right balance in a working group? The importance of technical skills is fundamental and essential in the management of an operational unit, but the latter is made up of people and therefore an efficient vision in an organization certainly has positives but is not enough to ensure the success of the working group [1][2][3][4]. Given these premises, it is essential to have tools useful for understanding interpersonal relationships, with a particular focus on conflict management.…”

“…If the nature of leadership is properly relational, its core quality is in mobilizing all those involved in this relationship , and the positive and creative alliance with the others constitutes its authentic value, from which it is deduced that relational skills are equally fundamental so that there is a greater chance of ensuring the good functioning of the group. Often the degeneration of interpersonal dynamics also lies in a lack of knowledge both of the fundamentals of human communication, and of the way of interpreting and perceiving events, from which blurred and obtuse readings of reality emerge [4][5][6][7][8]. On the contrary, being aware of ourselves and the ways of communicating and interacting, as well as our being in a relationship, would help us to improve or limit the repetition of the same mistakes both in us and in the relationship with the members of the working group.…”

“…If these expectations are met, the report will be adequate and expectations will be met. Where both the characteristics of the coordinator and those related to the working group are not met, misunderstandings will arise that will often exist in conflicting relationships [14][15][16]. Cognitive-behavioral theory, whose basic model is based on the existing relationship between thoughts, behaviors and emotions/bodily sensations, capable of interacting on one another and influencing each other, also offers us a further explanation of how each thought can influence or determine the experience and emotional regulation and consequently, the emission of a specific behavior.…”