Most nurse leaders have committed their careers to being patient advocates as well as clinicians. Successful leadership styles are crucial for the nursing leaders of the future. The qualities of a leader can be subjective. With today 's healthcare environment, nurse leaders must be innovative, exceptional and creative. They must be able to think strategically and be a visionary. Developing leadership skills does not happen overnight. There are many attributes and qualities that develop over time. There are basic skills that make extraordinary nursing leaders.
Be able to successfully lead others
One of the most important characteristic in a nurse leader is to have the ability to lead others. In any career field, a person can be a manager …show more content…
No one can do all things. A wise leader will be able to leave their ego behind and delegate tasks to those better equipped to handle the situation. If leaders feel insecure or threatened, they are less able to be connected to the team. These individuals may want to be in control at all times. On the other hand, leaders who feel secure with the skills they possess will have strong teams and will be able to empower others to do their best.
Personal accountability
A leader cannot expect to gain respect from their team if they are not willing to accept personal responsibility and be accountable for their actions. Being accountable means that people do what they say they will do. Nurse leaders gain credibility for themselves and their organization when they consistently show that they are accountable for the end results of their team 's endeavors. True leaders are consistent in their values and personal responsibility.
Communication
Communication is key to any career, but critical for nurse leaders. Nurse leaders must be able to effectively communicate with many types of people. From patients, care-givers and physicians - to third party payers and patient families. Communication skills can be taught, but a successful nurse leader usually has a natural ability and desire to communicate well with their peers and …show more content…
Negotiation-based leadership helps to build participation and strengthen a nursing team as well as create an atmosphere of unity.
Reflecting is a good way for team members to feel they are truly being listened to. Nurse leaders who are able to reflect back to their team members, patients or physicians how they interpret what has been said will leave others confident they have been understood.
An effective nursing leader feels comfortable using silence or pauses while communicating. Silence can slow the pace of a conversation and give time to think about what should be said next and can be valuable during uncomfortable conversations and situations.
Professional development
Nursing leaders affect all areas of healthcare. From patient outcomes to staff satisfaction, nursing leaders must constantly develop and hone their skills by enhancing their knowledge by continuing their education and keeping current on the rapidly changes in healthcare practices.
Be able to successfully lead others
One of the most important characteristic in a nurse leader is to have the ability to lead others. In any career field, a person can be a manager …show more content…
No one can do all things. A wise leader will be able to leave their ego behind and delegate tasks to those better equipped to handle the situation. If leaders feel insecure or threatened, they are less able to be connected to the team. These individuals may want to be in control at all times. On the other hand, leaders who feel secure with the skills they possess will have strong teams and will be able to empower others to do their best.
Personal accountability
A leader cannot expect to gain respect from their team if they are not willing to accept personal responsibility and be accountable for their actions. Being accountable means that people do what they say they will do. Nurse leaders gain credibility for themselves and their organization when they consistently show that they are accountable for the end results of their team 's endeavors. True leaders are consistent in their values and personal responsibility.
Communication
Communication is key to any career, but critical for nurse leaders. Nurse leaders must be able to effectively communicate with many types of people. From patients, care-givers and physicians - to third party payers and patient families. Communication skills can be taught, but a successful nurse leader usually has a natural ability and desire to communicate well with their peers and …show more content…
Negotiation-based leadership helps to build participation and strengthen a nursing team as well as create an atmosphere of unity.
Reflecting is a good way for team members to feel they are truly being listened to. Nurse leaders who are able to reflect back to their team members, patients or physicians how they interpret what has been said will leave others confident they have been understood.
An effective nursing leader feels comfortable using silence or pauses while communicating. Silence can slow the pace of a conversation and give time to think about what should be said next and can be valuable during uncomfortable conversations and situations.
Professional development
Nursing leaders affect all areas of healthcare. From patient outcomes to staff satisfaction, nursing leaders must constantly develop and hone their skills by enhancing their knowledge by continuing their education and keeping current on the rapidly changes in healthcare practices.