Nurse Leader Application of the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

Abstract

There are many leadership development programs, but only some focus on the unique perspective of nurse managers. The organization that served as the project site has leadership development programs for aspiring nurse leaders, a leadership core for newly appointed nurse leaders, and executive coaching for executive-level nurse leadership. A need was identified for a leadership development program for nurse managers. This project aimed to fulfill that need. The goal was to increase the application of the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership to operationalize transformational leadership principles and foster Joy in Work. The leadership development program consisted of an education session, participants completing the Leadership Practices Inventory Self-Empowered assessment, a report review and action planning session, a midpoint check-in, an individual debrief, and a focus group debrief. Due to the complexity of the nurse leader position, individualized leadership development plans were utilized. It was found that the leadership development program was helpful for program participants to increase their confidence in operationalizing transformational leadership principles. Nurse leaders with strong transformational leadership skills are poised to support their staff through the changes associated with nursing and healthcare. These skills can positively impact staff, patients, organizations, and healthcare.