Nursing

The purpose of this best practice guideline is to assist nurses and others performing both formal and informal nursing leadership roles from the point-of-care to the board room, across a variety of practice domains and settings. It identifies evidence-based leadership behaviour that nurses can implement individually and collectively to benefit patients, health-care team members, organizations, systems and health-care policy, research and education. Leadership practices that help create a healthy work environment can ultimately improve patient and client experiences and outcomes. Even point-of-care nurses, who may not see themselves as leaders, can adopt these practices in their informal leadership role and significantly improve their work environment and in turn, patient outcomes.

Strong leaders in nursing are vital to help navigate the constant evolution of health care. Nurse leaders do more than balance costs, monitor productivity, and maintain patient and staff satisfaction. They serve as role models and influence health care organizations at all levels. A strong nurse leader motivates their colleagues, setting the tone for a safe, civil workplace with a culture of high morale and job retention.

From the College of Nurses of Ontario.

From the Nova Scotia College of Nursing

Nursing is a practice discipline and it is a political act. Nursing leadership is about critical thinking, action and
advocacy – and it happens in all roles and domains of nursing practice. Nursing leadership plays a pivotal role in the
immediate lives of nurses and it has an impact on the entire health system and the Canadians it serves. Therefore,
Canada’s health system requires a steady supply of visionary and energetic nursing leaders1 across the domains of
the discipline who are credible, courageous, visible and inspiring to others and who have the authority and resources
to support modern, innovative and professional nursing practice.