Developing leadership abilities in nursing

Nursing Journal of India, May 2003 by Ravi, Lakshmi

The development of Nursing to what it is today has been uneven erratic and full conflict and struggle similar to that of all other professions where women constitute a majority of the workforce. At present, Nurses have an extended role. In order to prove their efficiency as important members of the healthcare team, they have to find ways of influencing, informing and enlightening the patients and the public in general. When developing or exercising the leadership abilities, one needs to consider the factors that influence the leadership style of an individual within an organization. The factors that influence or draw out the inherent leadership capabilities of an individual are:

1) Influence of People: Parents, educators, colleagues, supervisors at all level of an organization, spouse, friends, physicians patients & authors.

2) Organization and its work atmosphere also attributes to cultivation of leadership quality.

There are some significant differences in the leadership styles between male managers and female leaders which have great impact on nursing:

It is essential therefore to take into consideration all these factors which in turn will influence the emergence of dynamic leaders in nursing. The following table sums up all the factors.

Nurses functioning at all levels influence the development of leadership abilities. This has to be exercised appropriately as the future is based on interactive and collaborative working.

Conclusion

In todays rapidly changing world of health care education, nurses must position themselves as leaders to provide high quality cost effective health care and should be involved in health care planning. This will lead to both self satisfaction and consumer satisfaction.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Journals:

1. Bagnall. Pippa, 'Reasons to be cheerful', Nursing times, 1997. London, Macmillan magazines, pp -28.

2. Coke. Andrew, 'Nurses who mean business', Nursing Times 1997, London, Macmillan Magazines, pp -38

3. Kent. Christine, et. al. 'Management Material' Nursing Times 1994, London, Macmillan Magazines, pp 36.

4. Richardson Sharon, et al, 'Leadership: A Nursing perspective', Canadian Journal of Nursing Research: 1994, pp 83- 95.

5. Taylor. Jane Dunnham et. al., 'Experience, Events, People Do they influence to leadership style of a Nurse executive?' Journal of Nursing Administration. 1993 pp-30.