Understanding leadership for newly qualified nurses

Abstract

Becoming a newly qualified nurse can be a daunting prospect and leadership may appear to be a quality that only experienced nurses and managers should be concerned with. However, leadership is a requirement for all registered nurses and inquiries into cases of suboptimal care have often identified inadequate leadership as a major contributor. In the past, leadership was defined as an innate characteristic or trait, but over time concepts of leadership have evolved and it is now recognised as a set of skills and behaviours. There are many different leadership styles, qualities and behaviours, but these should not be confused with the role of management. It is important for newly qualified nurses to develop their lead Newly qualified nurses may regard leadership as a quality that only experienced staff and managers should be concerned with. However, leadership is a requirement for all registered nurses. In the UK, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2018) standards of proficiency divide nursing proficiencies into seven platforms. The fifth platform describes the proficiency of 'leading and managing nursing care and working in teams', and includes acting as a role model, managing nursing care and being accountable for appropriate delegation and supervision of care provided by the team. Working in a team requires active and equal collaboration, and communication, which are essential nursing skills. Defining leadershipLeadership is a term that is challenging to define. Most definitions agree that it is concerned with a shared aim, vision, purpose or goal and the ability of the leader to persuade others to work towards

Leadership During Times of Crisis: Towards Recovery

“…Also important is the capacity to problem-solve, make decisions, communicate with respect, and share knowledge (Cleary, Kornhaber, West, McGarry, & Visentin, 2019). Other aspects of leadership discussed in the research literature include, first, whether leadership traits or characteristics are intrinsic to individual leaders or can be developed (e.g., Kirkham, 2020;Maijala, Eloranta, Reunanen, & Ikonen, 2018;Re & Rule, 2017); second, the diversity of leadership types and styles (Kilburg & Donohue, 2011); and third, the different ways in which leadership is enacted in various situations (Kreindler et al, 2020).…”

Systematic Review on Characteristics and Effects of Leadership Development Interventions for Nursing Students

“…[16][17][18] As indicated in The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report, 19 nurses should lead in health care and beyond. Therefore, leadership is required of all nurses, not just managers, 20 and its development should start at and continue throughout undergraduate education. [21][22][23] Moreover, because of the global nursing shortage 17 and the attrition of staff resulting from demanding work conditions, 24 newly graduated nurses are expected to demonstrate leadership shortly after graduation.…”

“…As indicated in The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report,19 nurses should lead in health care and beyond. Therefore, leadership is required of all nurses, not just managers,20 and its development should start at and continue throughout undergraduate education 21-23…”