Nursing Leadership Strategies

According to the Director of the Nursing Leadership Institute, Dr. Rose Sherman, "Facilitating the growth and development of staff is an important nursing leadership function." Nursing depends on motivated nurses performing to their fullest potential. While many challenges face nurses in leadership positions, using nursing leadership strategies that motivate appropriately, communicate regularly and encourage effectively will ensure success for any nursing staff.

Motivate Appropriately

• Nursing staffs encompass a wide range of backgrounds with various points of view. A strong nursing leadership strategy includes the ability to motivate every person on the nursing staff with appropriate techniques. Overcoming multi-generational problems can command a large proportion of the nursing leadership's time. Many nurses come from an older generation that still believe traditional methods work best and feel threatened by younger, inexperienced nurses who have no regard for older methods. They need to feel loyalty and respect from their superiors who can motivate them to share their wisdom with others. Younger nurses understand the need to express individualism and readily accept new practices as they see progress in medical fields. Nurses in leadership positions should motivate these new nurses by being flexible in demands and offering constant feedback on performance issues.

Communicate Regularly

• Nurses of all stripes have the need for open communication with their nursing leaders. Many feel resentment when not told pertinent information. Communicate regularly with your nursing staff so that they feel assurance when they hear from their nursing leadership. Remember, communication works both ways so prepare yourself to listen attentively when engaged by your nurses. Never underestimate the power of a hand-written note to express your thoughts. Check to see if your older nurses know how to be plugged into technology to receive the full benefit of all electronic communications. Remind your younger nurses that instant feedback may not be possible on all issues and to patiently wait for responses to issues that arise.

Encourage Effectively

• Nursing leadership exerts a large amount of influence on its nursing staff. Nothing discourages a nursing staff faster than ineffective leadership. Encourage your nursing staff effectively by empowering them with the values that help drive everyone to do their best. Let them know the nursing leadership supports their efforts to increase their knowledge about their field and try to recognize those who work hard at their training or at training others. Working with your staff regularly will show them your level of commitment to them so they can have confidence to approach you with any problem.