Nurse leaders' resilience and their role in supporting nurses' resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To explore nurse leaders' resilience and their role in supporting nurses' resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health care systems on a global level. Nurse leaders are tasked with ensuring high-quality care, even during crises, which requires active problem-solving and confidence in the future-resilience from leaders. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted using inductive thematic analysis and the PCC (Participants, Concept, Context) framework. The PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases, as well additional studies and grey literature, were searched from December 2019 to June 2021. RESULTS: The review included 12 studies. Nurse leaders' self-awareness, self-reflection, and coping strategies described their resilience during the pandemic. A relational leadership style, supportive and safe work environment, and adequate communication were found to support nurses' resilience. CONCLUSIONS: There is scarce research concerning nurse leaders' resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research needs to address nurse leaders' personal resilience due to the link with nurses' resilience. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT A healthy work environment is essential for nurses' resilience. During crises, nurse leaders should adopt relational leadership styles and actively interact with nursing staff.