Nurses’ leadership self-efficacy, motivation, and career aspirations

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to test a model examining precursors and outcomes of nurses' leadership self-efficacy, and their aspirations to management positions. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of 727 registered nurses across Canada was conducted. Structural equation modelling using Mplus was used to analyse the data. Findings Results supported the hypothesized model: χ(312) = 949.393; CFI = 0.927; TLI = 0.919; RMSEA = 0.053 (0.049-0.057); SRMR 0.044. Skill development opportunities ( ß = 0.20), temporary management roles ( ß = 0.12) and informal mentoring ( ß = 0.11) were significantly related to nurses' leadership self-efficacy, which significantly influenced motivation to lead ( ß = 0.77) and leadership career aspirations ( ß = 0.23). Motivation to lead was significantly related to leadership career aspirations ( ß = 0.50). Practical implications Nurses' leadership self-efficacy is an important determinant of their motivation and intention to pursue a leadership career. Results suggest that nurses' leadership self-efficacy can be influenced by providing opportunities for leadership mastery experiences and mentorship support. Leadership succession planning should include strategies to enhance nurses' leadership self-efficacy and increase front-line nurses' interest in leadership roles. Originality value With an aging nurse leader workforce, it is important to understand factors influencing nurses' leadership aspirations to develop and sustain nursing leadership capacity. This research study makes an important contribution to the nursing literature by showing that nurses' leadership self-efficacy appears to be an important determinant of their motivation to lead and desire to pursue a career as a nurse leader.

Nurses’ Self-Efficacy, Confidence and Interaction With Patients With COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…13 Self-efficacy is a well-known concept, it affects the nurses' beliefs, actions and behaviors while caring for sick patients. 14 Experts and scientists recognize self-efficacy as a powerful variable that affects the nurses' motivation to care, thinking processes and decision making, prioritizing interventions, and encouraging them to continue caring for the patients despite difficulties and failure. [15][16][17][18] Self-confidence is a powerful factor that influences rapid, appropriate, safe, and accurate nursing intervention in an emergency situation and also while caring for critically ill patients.…”

Planejamento de sucessão de lideranças em enfermagem: caminhos para sua elaboração

“…A gestão compartilhada e participativa como política interna de uma instituição possibilita ambiente de trabalho inovador e transformador, pois incentiva a atualização e a transmissão dos conhecimentos (29) . As representações de diferentes categorias da enfermagem nos processos decisórios, a elaboração de uma comissão de sucessão e a divulgação por meio de mídias sociais sobre as etapas do processo sucessório podem atrair enfermeiros a posições de lideranças, por permitir compartilhamento e trocas de experiências entre profissionais em diferentes etapas da carreira (8,26,30) .…”

Alternative Approaches to Mentoring

“…29 This type of mentorship has been linked to increased confidence and leadership self-efficacy, which in turn could support manager succession planning for critical care units. 30 Mentorship is also an important component of development as new leaders assume their roles. 31 Another application for mentoring experienced critical care nurses is to expand their use of evidence to improve clinical practice.…”