Transformational nurse leadership attributes in German hospitals pursuing organization-wide change via Magnet® or Pathway® principles: results from a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Budget constraints, staff shortages and high workloads pose challenges for German hospitals. Magnet® and Pathway® are concepts for implementing organization-wide change and redesigning work environments. There is limited research on the key elements that characterize nurse leaders driving the implementation of Magnet®/Pathway® principles outside the U.S. We explored the key attributes of nurse leaders driving organization-wide change through Magnet®/Pathway® principles in German hospitals. METHODS: Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews (n = 18) were conducted with nurse leaders, managers, and clinicians, in five German hospitals known as having started implementing Magnet® or Pathway® principles. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed in Atlas.ti using content analysis. For the analysis, a category system was created using a deductive-inductive approach. RESULTS: Five leadership attributes and eleven sub-attributes were identified as main themes and sub-themes: Visionary leaders who possess and communicate a strong vision and serve as role models to inspire change. Strategic leaders who focus on strategic planning and securing top management support. Supportive leaders who empower, emphasizing employee motivation, individualized support, and team collaboration. Stamina highlights courage, assertiveness, and resilience in the face of challenges. Finally, agility which addresses a leader's presence, accessibility, and rapid responsiveness, fostering adaptability. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates leadership attributes explicitly focusing on instigating and driving organization-wide change through Magnet®/Pathway® principles in five German hospitals. The findings suggest a need for comprehensive preparation and ongoing development of nurse leaders aimed at establishing and sustaining a positive hospital work environment.

Health Management of Working Pregnant Nurses: A grounded theory study.

AIM: To explore the recognition of pregnant nurses on how they managed their health conditions to examine safe working strategies. DESIGN: A qualitative study with a grounded theory approach. METHODS: Twenty-one nurses engaged in work during their pregnancy were recruited and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire from January to June 2021. The data were analysed using a constant comparative method. RESULTS: The core category 'duelling roles' and the four other categories emerged. Pregnant nurses understand the 'weight of one' of being a professional in the workplace. Therefore, despite their health concerns, they struggle to complete their work as one team member to avoid inconveniencing others. However, through experiencing various nursing situations, they 'perceive one's limits' of working as they had done before pregnancy and protect their health and patients. Nevertheless, interactions with patients and their colleagues bring 'delight in nursing', which encourages them to continue working. Pregnant nurses thus develop a 'prioritizing the foetus' working style to continue being nurses while protecting their health. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: These results provide meaningful guidance in considering safe job retention strategies for pregnant nurses. Sharing and developing the 'prioritizing the foetus' mindset and management skills gained by the participants may be beneficial for the appropriate health management of pregnant nurses. The study may also facilitate nursing managers' understanding of the experiences of pregnant nurses and encourage them to consider reviewing nursing practices. REPORTING METHOD: The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies checklist was used to ensure the quality of research reporting. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Members of the nursing team were involved in the design, conduct and interpretation of the data in this study.

The influence of psychological resilience and nursing practice environment on nurses' moral courage: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To determine the relationship between psychological resilience, nursing practice environment, and moral courage of clinical nurses and also the factors influencing moral courage. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: 586 nurses from a general hospital were selected by convenience sampling method in January 2023. The general information questionnaire, Nurses' Moral Courage Scale (NMCS), Resilience Scale, and Practice Environment Scale (PES) were measured. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of clinical nurses' moral courage. RESULTS: Nurses' average moral courage score was 79.00 (69.00, 91.00). The nurses' moral courage was positively correlated with psychological resilience and nursing practice environment. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that psychological resilience and nursing practice environment entered the regression equation, accounting for 23.4% of the total variation. Psychological resilience and nursing practice environment are the main factors affecting the moral courage of clinical nurses. Nursing managers should conduct moral courage training, develop a decent nursing practice environment, pay attention to the psychological emotions of nurses, and actively build a safe, open, and supportive atmosphere for moral behaviour.

Effectively and Efficiently Reengineering the Nursing Work Environment by Applying a Conceptual Framework for Nurse Retention.

The nursing shortage that is upon us is the result of a confluence of factors, some simple and some complex. Legacy solutions are not working. Recovery from the current situation involves examining and reshaping the nursing work environment. Creative and innovative solutions are being developed and tested. The call for addressing the work environment is surfacing in the literature, yet methods for doing so in an orderly, progressive manner have been elusive. To solve complex problems, structure helps lead to clear thinking. This work presents a conceptual framework for nurse retention derived from concept analysis of initiatives with empirical outcomes for intent to stay, intent to leave, turnover, and retention. It layers in 2 simple theorists and presents an intuitive, understandable model to guide strategic planning and decision making. The Framework has been used for several applications, one of which is a unit-based action planning method that is systematic, cyclic, and uses data relevant to specific unit culture. Improvements occurred in retention and engagement metrics, work effectiveness scores, and cost. Nurse managers extol the process's simplicity and ease of use, and the role the Framework plays in shaping the way they think about nurse retention.

A Different Mindset for a Different Culture: Sustaining the Next-Generation Workforce.

The author is a nurse executive who shares insights into why company leaders must change their mindset in how they build the next-generation nursing workforce culture. Despite the national nursing shortage crisis, nurses continue to be the most trusted profession for the 22nd consecutive year in a row. Technology advancements, generational paradigm shifts, global and domestic business transformations, diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being are trends that have directly impacted the need for these changes. We know that it is not just about recruiting but also about creating a culture where the ambitions, aspirations, and perspectives of the nursing workforce are honored. There are key company strategies that matter to creating a next-generation workforce culture and are transferable to health care. Leaders must think differently about the culture they have to build in order to attract and retain the next-generational nursing and clinical workforce.

Challenges and opportunities in adolescent intellectual disability care and rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: There have been mounting concerns over the lack of proper facilities for adolescents living with intellectual disability (ALWID), and the struggles particularly of the developing world to provide care and rehabilitation services for this population. Care and rehabilitation services are needed to improve this population's normal functioning but have been scarce or non-existent in most communities. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to solicit and describe nurse managers' views of the challenges and opportunities in rendering care and rehabilitation services to ALWID. The study was based on Julian Rappaport's empowerment theory, which provided a framework for organising essential knowledge while rendering care and rehabilitation services for ALWID. METHOD: A qualitative, explorative design was used to solicit nurse managers' views of the challenges and opportunities in rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID in Tshwane District, Gauteng province, South Africa. Thirteen participants were purposively selected from three rehabilitation centres. RESULTS: Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-step method. Five themes emerged relating to challenges and opportunities in rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID. Two themes focussed on challenges, namely inadequate age-appropriate rehabilitation services and a lack of material and non-material resources. Strengthened support systems, partnerships with outside stakeholders, and the promotion of physical activities emerged as opportunities for rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID. CONCLUSION: Nurse managers believe rehabilitation services empower ALWID towards autonomy, enhancing their societal function and quality of life with a crucial strong support system.Contribution: Nurse managers should lead in creating collaboration platforms for ALWID care, promoting partnerships, sharing best practices, and overcoming challenges in treatment and rehabilitation.

Near-infrared technology for improved PIVC placement: a clinical technology implementation model.

AIMS: To share lessons learned from an evidence-based practice (EBP) initiative that implemented near-infrared (NIR) technology in a large US hospital system. A Clinical Technology Implementation Model (CTIM©) that can be adapted for use in other health institutions is presented. BACKGROUND: EBP implementation, including the adoption of new cutting-edge technologies, is crucial to improving patient care. Yet there are significant delays in changes to clinical practice, often due to organisational challenges that stifle the implementation process. The evidence-practice gap is increasingly evident in peripheral intravenous access (PIV). Implementation science offers new insights into the challenges of updating clinical practice, which can support EBP implementation. EVALUATION: Recent literature on implementation science, change theory, PIV access, NIR technology, and patient outcomes were reviewed. A model that can help nurse managers implement technology that aligns with EBP is presented, drawing on experience from the adoption of NIR vein visualisation to enhance PIV access in a large US hospital system. KEY ISSUE: A pervasive hesitancy in healthcare to embrace technology, coupled with the challenges of implementing a change to practice, has led to limited application of EBP PIV access guidelines and a stagnant standard of care. CONCLUSION: This article provides nurse managers with the tools necessary to successfully implement EBP, drawing on the experience from implementing NIR in a large US hospital. Nurse managers are uniquely positioned to lead the way in embracing technology to improve care and reduce the evidence-practice gap.

Describing nurses' communication about evidence-based practice change: A social network analysis of hospital nurses.

BACKGROUND: Nurses play a critical role in providing evidence-based, high-quality care to optimize patient outcomes. Models from implementation science suggest social networks may influence the adoption of evidence-based practices (EBPs). However, few studies have examined this relationship among hospital nurses. Social network analysis (SNA) mathematically evaluates patterns of communication, a critical step in implementation. Exploring hospital nurses' communication networks may provide insight into influences on the adoption of EBPs. AIMS: This study aimed to describe complete communication networks of hospital nurses for practice changes on inpatient units, including upper level nursing administrators. METHODS: This descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study used SNA on two inpatient units from one hospital. A sociometric survey was completed by nurses (unit to executive level) regarding communication frequency about practice changes. Network-level density, diameter, average path length, centralization, and arc reciprocity were measured. Attribute data were used to explore subnetworks. RESULTS: Surveys from 148 nurses on two inpatient adult intensive care units (response rates 90% and 98%) revealed high communication frequency. Network measures were similar across the two units and among subnetworks. Analysis identified central (charge nurses and nurse leaders) and peripheral members of the network (new-to-practice nurses). Subnetworks aligned with the weekend and shift worked. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Established communication channels, including subnetworks and opinion leaders, should be used to maximize and optimize implementation strategies and facilitate the uptake of EBPs. Future work should employ SNA to measure the impact of communication networks on promoting the uptake of EBP and to improve patient outcomes.

The mediating role of psychological capital on the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour among Chinese nurses.

AIM: To explore the mediating role of psychological capital between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour among Chinese nurses. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: In December 2021, online surveys were delivered among nurses from 37 hospitals in Anhui Province by convenience sampling approach. The data was collected using the Chinese version of the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Nurse Psychological Capital Questionnaire and Nurse Innovative Behaviour Scale. The structural equation model and bootstrap test examined the mediating role of psychological capital between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour. RESULTS: 3495 Chinese nurses from 37 Anhui Province hospitals participated in this study. The mean item score of authentic leadership was 3.25 (SD 0.83), psychological capital was 4.85 (SD 0.89), and innovative behaviour was 2.82 (SD 0.84). Authentic leadership perceived by nurses, psychological capital, and innovative behaviour were statistically significant and positively correlated with each other (r = 0.524 ~ 0.806, p < 0.01). Psychological capital significantly mediated the association between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour (ß = 0.449, p < 0.001), and its mediating effect accounted for 76.75% of the total effect. CONCLUSION: Results suggest the importance of developing nurse managers' authentic leadership to foster nurses' psychological capital and innovation behaviour.

Clinical nurse managers' leadership styles and staff nurses' work engagement in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Effective nurse leadership enhances nurse welfare, improves patient care, and increases organisational success. A lack of adequate, supportive leadership significantly contributes to many nurses leaving the profession. Nurse managers need to prioritise engagement and retention as significant focus areas to address the nursing shortage in Saudi Arabia and accomplish the national program's objectives. AIM: To examine the correlation between the leadership styles of clinical nurse managers and staff engagement. METHOD: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design. The leadership styles of clinical nurse managers were evaluated using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X). Work engagement was assessed using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Questionnaires were distributed to 450 nurses in four public hospitals in western Saudi Arabia. Non-probability convenience sampling was used to collect the data. RESULTS: A total of 278 nurses from a range of clinical areas participated in the survey, which revealed that the leadership styles of clinical nurse managers positively or negatively impact nurse work engagement. Most clinical nurse managers exhibit transformational leadership, followed by transactional, then passive-avoidant styles. Respondents displayed a high level of work engagement, emphasising the positive impact of transformational and transactional leadership on work engagement outcomes. The findings showed significant differences in leadership styles and work engagement levels between Saudi and non-Saudi nurses across various dimensions. CONCLUSION: Understanding the effect of leadership styles employed by nurse managers on work engagement can positively impact staff retention rates and the quality of patient care. Nurse managers should participate in training programs to enhance their practical leadership skills to enhance the work engagement levels of nurses. IMPLICATION: Nurse work engagement can be improved by establishing training programs that promote effective leadership and highlight the significance of various leadership styles and their subsequent impact on nurse work engagement. Nursing students should receive education on leadership styles. Nursing leaders should be given access to mentoring programs and opportunities for career advancement to support the introduction of effective leadership styles.

Crisis management competencies needed in a hospital setting during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study of nurse leaders.

AIM: To describe the crisis management competencies needed in a hospital setting during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of nurse leaders. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic generated many challenges for nurse leaders in hospitals, and management competencies are highlighted. However, there is little evidence available about nurse leaders' perceptions of the crisis management competencies needed in such situations. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive, semi-structured interview study of nurse leaders (n = 20) was conducted between June and October 2021 in one Finnish central hospital. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis yielded five main categories of crisis management competencies needed in a hospital setting during the pandemic: interactive communication competence, psychological resource management competence, systematic and proactive organising competence, active networking abilities and practices and change management approach in crisis management. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse leaders need new and different crisis management competencies in hospital organisations. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the working culture of nurse leaders, as they faced challenges that needed knowledge and skills beyond their previous management competence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Additional training for nurse leaders in crisis management is needed. This training should reflect the competencies identified as necessary in crisis situations so that nurse leaders will be able to manage crisis situations effectively in future. REPORTING METHOD: The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was used in reporting the findings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

How does gratitude relate to nurses' job satisfaction? The mediating role of resilience and stress.

BACKGROUND: Nurse job satisfaction is a critical area of study with far-reaching implications for healthcare organizations, patient care, and the retention of nursing staff. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association of gratitude with job satisfaction among Chinese nurses and examine the potential mediating roles of resilience and stress in this relationship. METHODS: Two separate studies were conducted to examine our research hypotheses. In Study 1, a total of 460 nurses completed the questionnaire related to gratitude, resilience, stress, and job satisfaction. A validation study was conducted in Study 2, which consisted of 709 nurses who also completed the same measures of gratitude, resilience, and stress to ensure the repeatability of the Study 1 results. Furthermore, a different scale was used to measure nurses' job satisfaction. RESULTS: The two studies consistently found that both resilience and stress mediated gratitude-job satisfaction independently among Chinese nurses. Furthermore, resilience was found to be a significantly stronger mediator than stress in the association of gratitude with job satisfaction. Finally, we found that gratitude predicted nurses' job satisfaction via the serial mediating effects of resilience and stress. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the complex interplay between gratitude, resilience, stress, and job satisfaction by demonstrating that resilience and stress act as parallel and sequential mediators between nurses' gratitude and job satisfaction. The healthcare sector can improve nurses' job satisfaction by increasing gratitude, building resilience, and reducing feelings of stress. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Nurse managers have the potential to enhance job satisfaction among nurses by implementing measures that increase gratitude, build resilience, and reduce stress levels.

Assessment of management styles among top nursing leaders in Slovenian primary health centers: a cross-sectional analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to endeavor to discern the predominant leadership styles used by nursing managers within the framework of Slovenian primary health centers. Using a quantitative research approach, the study was conducted through the administration of a structured questionnaire. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The investigation encompassed 67 nursing managers, representing the entire spectrum of primary health centers in Slovenia. A stratified representative subset comprising 53 top nursing managers actively participated in this study. FINDINGS: The prevailing leadership style among nursing managers predominantly manifests as the "integrated" style, characterized by a balanced emphasis on both interpersonal relationships and task-oriented elements. These nursing leaders exhibited a proclivity for fostering collaborative teamwork, with their leadership approach notably shaped by traits such as positive thinking, self-assuredness, comprehensive leadership knowledge and an intrinsic motivation to guide and inspire individuals. Notably, leadership knowledge emerged as the most influential factor in determining the selected leadership style. The study's findings recognize specific areas in which leadership competencies among nurse managers may require further enhancement and development. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study's findings are based on a specific subset of nursing leaders in a particular region, which can add to the originality, especially as there is limited prior research in this specific context. The study's exploration of leadership styles is original in the sense that it provides insights into the leadership behaviors and traits of nursing managers in the given context. The emphasis on factors such as positive thinking and leadership knowledge as influential elements adds originality to the study.

Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award 2023 Visionary Leader Finalist Russell Kaiser.

The following manuscript, selected as a finalist for the 2023 Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award entry, was submitted to Nursing Management in recognition of Russell Kaiser, MSN, BSN, RN, the CNO at The Colony ER Hospital in The Colony, Tex.