Good leadership in nursing: what is the most effective approach?

Good leadership in nursing is likely to draw on different theories according to the task at hand, the team’s needs and the local circumstances. This article comes with a handout for a journal club discussion


Abstract
There is no simple answer to the complex question of what makes good leadership in nursing, despite the existence of evidence showing that it can have a positive impact on both patient experience and outcomes, and nurse satisfaction and retention. This article outlines different leadership theories, describing how they can be applied to nursing and how effective they are. What emerges is that different approaches are needed according to what leaders set out to achieve. One thing is certain: success hinges on good relationships between leaders and teams.
Citation: Maxwell E (2017) Good leadership in nursing: what is the most effective approach? Nursing Times [online]; 113: 8, 18-21.
Author: Elaine Maxwell is associate professor in leadership, School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University.
This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
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