Characteristics of Nurse Leaders

1.       Leadership requires personal mastery –

Nurses demonstrate leadership when they show competence and mastery in the tasks they perform. Nurses are deemed competent by means of a license to practice nursing (NLN 2010).

2.       Leadership is about values –

Four dynamic and integrated core values permeate the NLN and are reflected in our work: Caring, Integrity, Diversity & Excellence (NLN Brochure, 2013; Retrieved from http://www.nln.org/aboutnln/pdf/nln_brochure_general.pdf).

3.       Leadership is about service –

“Nursing students involved in service-learning are expected to provide community service and to reflect on that service” (Seifer & Vaughn, 2002).

Seifer, S. D. & Vaughn, R. L. (2002). Partners in caring and community: Service-learning in nursing education. Journal of Nursing Education, 41(10), 437.

4.       Leadership is about people and relationships –

“The registered nurse collaborates with patient, family, and others in the conduct of nursing practice to effect change and generate positive outcomes” (ANA, 2004, p. 38).

American Nurses Association (2004). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Washington, D.C.: Nursesbooks.org

5.       Leadership is contextual –

Nurses demonstrate leadership when they adapt their leadership styles to their different situations they encounter with patients, while collaborating with other healthcare members, and in various work settings. They realize one style of leadership does not apply to all situations in nursing.

6.       Leadership is about the management of meaning –

Nurses demonstrate leadership by understanding the meanings of both verbal and non-verbal communications by patients, families, and others. Nurses possessing this emotional intelligence can enhance difficult situations.  

7.       Leadership is about balance –

Nurses must multitask and balance their time when delivering care to achieve patient goals.

8.       Leadership is about continuous learning and improvement –

The NLN is committed to delivering improved, enhanced, and expanded services to its members and championing the pursuit of quality nursing education for all types of nursing education programs. (NLN, 2013; retrieved from http://www.nln.org/aboutnln/index.htm)

9.     Leadership is about effective decision making –

Nurse managers and leaders are looked up to when difficult decisions are to be made. Nurses who demonstrate leadership research current evidenced-based practice and make decisions accordingly.  

10.   Leadership is a political process –

The National League for Nursing's core values of caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence compel civic engagement in shaping public policies that affect everyone's quality of health and care (NLN, 2013; retrieved from http://www.nln.org/aboutnln/hcreform_info.htm)

Nurses are encouraged to take an active role in molding the policy issues facing the nursing profession today. To make a difference, a nurse has to make her voice heard. (NLN, 2013; retrieved from http://www.nln.org/publicpolicy/index.htm)

11.   Leadership is about modeling –

Through their actions, words, and interactions, an effective nurse leader can set a standard for other nurses they mentor or other team members.

12.   Leadership is about integrity -

 The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety (Code of Ethics for Nurses, 2001).