What Constitutes Effective Leadership?

TLDR

Magnet hospitals, known for attracting and retaining nurses, have existed for nearly two decades, yet research on the effectiveness of their nurse leaders remains limited. The study interviewed 16 nurse leaders from magnet and nonmagnet hospitals to deepen understanding of magnet hospital leadership. Interviewees identified valued leadership qualities, and the authors compared magnet versus nonmagnet leaders’ views on traits, supportive structures, and success factors.

Abstract

Magnet hospitals, so named because of their ability to attract and retain nurses, have been operating for nearly 20 years. Although research on their success, particularly related to job satisfaction and retention of nurses, is available, research on magnet nurse leader effectiveness has been limited to the pivotal role the nurse leader plays in supporting a magnet culture. To enhance the research groundwork in magnet hospitals and nursing leadership, 16 nurse leaders from magnet and nonmagnet hospitals were interviewed. They were asked to identify leadership qualities they considered valuable in today's healthcare setting. The author contrasts the opinions of magnet and nonmagnet leaders relating to their leadership traits, organizational structures they discern as being supportive of professional nursing practice, and their perceptions of how a successful organization is created.