LEADERSHIP VISION

Leadership Vision

Leadership Vision

A leadership vision in clinical practice and a nursing leader is one who is involved in direct patient care and who continuously improves care by influencing others (Cook, 2001).  Leadership is not merely a series of skills or tasks; rather, it is an attitude that informs behavior (Cook, 2001).  Several important functions of a nurse leader are: acting as a role model, collaboration to provide optimum care, provision of information and support, providing care based on theory and research, and being an advocate for patients and the health care organization (Mahoney, 2001).  In addition, nurse leaders should have knowledge of management, communication, and teamwork skills, as well as some background in health economics, finance, and evidence-based outcomes (Mahoney, 2001). 

Personal qualities desirable in a nurse leader include competence, confidence, courage, collaboration, and creativity.  Nurse leaders should be aware of the changing environment and make changes proactively.  Leaders who show concern for the needs and objectives of staff members and are cognizant of the conditions affecting the work environment will encourage productivity (Moiden, 2003).  In doing this, it is important that a philosophy of productivity is established. According to Jooste (2004), three things that are essential to leadership are authority, power, and influence.  Effective leaders of today should use more influence and less authority and power.  It is more important to be able to motivate, persuade, appreciate, and negotiate than to merely wield power.  Developing future nurse leaders is one of the greatest challenges faced by the nursing profession (Mahoney, 2001). 

Powerful leadership skills are needed by all nurses—those providing direct care to those in top management positions.  Anyone who is looked to as an authority (e.g., a nurse taking care of a patient) or who is responsible for giving assistance to others is considered a leader (Mahoney, 2001). ...