Nurse leaders motivate and guide others to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. They set a vision for improving healthcare delivery by applying evidence-based practices, making informed decisions and fostering a supportive work environment. By balancing clinical expertise with interpersonal skills, nurse leaders mentor colleagues and encourage collaboration across teams. The William Paterson University (WP) online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares nurses to fill these leadership roles.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), “Strong leaders in nursing are vital to helping navigate the constant evolution of health care.” Nursing leadership directly impacts patient care, workplace morale and healthcare operations. Efficient nurse leaders inspire teams, ensure adherence to safety protocols and promote collaboration and growth. As healthcare becomes more complex, the demand for leaders who can manage change and guide teams effectively continues to rise.
What Is a BSN Degree?
An RN to BSN program is for registered nurses who have obtained an associate degree or nursing diploma and want to pursue a BSN. Earning a BSN enhances nursing skills, opens leadership opportunities and helps nurses adapt to the evolving healthcare industry. These programs focus on developing critical competencies like leadership, critical thinking and evidence-based practice. It also equips nurses with soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership — enabling them to manage teams, influence healthcare policies and deliver patient-centered care.
Students can complete William Paterson University’s online RN to BSN program in as little as 10 months. To be eligible for enrollment, students must have an associate’s degree or diploma from an accredited nursing school, a 2.5 GPA and a valid unencumbered RN license.
Nursing Leadership Skills
Nursing leadership skills are essential for nurses to excel in supervisory roles. These skills also go beyond managing people: they involve advocating for patients, promoting team collaboration and delivery healthcare services efficiently. Some leadership skills in nursing include:
- Communication and collaboration: Vital for managing teams and coordinating patient care smoothly
- Good decision-making and critical thinking: Making informed decisions that align with ethical standards and evidence-based practices
- Strong problem-solving: Addressing challenges and finding creative solutions is essential in a fast-paced healthcare environment
- Empathy and emotional intelligence: Understanding the emotional needs of both patients and staff to foster a supportive atmosphere and improve morale
- Conflict resolution: Handling and resolving conflicts within the team or with patients in a constructive manner
- Delegation: Assigning tasks effectively and trusting team members to execute their responsibilities
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing circumstances and unexpected challenges in the healthcare environment
- Leadership and motivation: Inspiring and guiding the nursing team to achieve their best performance and maintain high morale
- Organization: Managing time, resources and workloads efficiently for smooth operations and high-quality patient care
Developing leadership skills is crucial for nurses who aspire to take on managerial roles or influence healthcare policy. These skills enable nurse leaders to coordinate patient care, manage resources and create a positive work environment. Nurses can build leadership abilities through formal education, mentorship, practical experience and self-reflection. By evaluating their own strengths and weaknesses, nurse leaders can identify areas for improvement and seek growth opportunities.
Why Is Leadership Important in Nursing?
Nurse leaders are charged with managing teams. They can influence the work environment by employing various leadership styles to inspire, guide and support their teams, adapting their approach to meet the needs of different situations and staff. The ANA outlines the following leadership styles in nursing so nurses are informed and can utilize the best possible approach:
- Transformational: Encourages and motivates staff through a shared vision
- Autocratic: Effective in emergencies, the nurse leader makes decisions with little input from others
- Laissez-Faire: Provides minimal supervision and promotes team autonomy
- Democratic: Encourages collaboration and values input from all team members
- Servant: Considers individual and team needs
- Situational: Analyzes the situation and determines the best approach based on flexibility
- Transactional: Focuses on structure, clear goals and rewards — maintaining routine and managing performance through established policies
William Paterson University’s Advanced Nursing Degree
Earning a BSN through WP’s online program is an incredible option for nurses looking to advance their careers. The program emphasizes leadership development through the Leadership and Professional Practice course, which covers essential topics such as conflict management, ethical decision-making and fostering a positive organizational culture. Students learn to use data for informed clinical decisions and explore various leadership theories and styles.
This knowledge prepares graduates to lead effectively, motivate teams and advocate for change, which enhances patient care and drives healthcare innovation. As nursing roles evolve, William Patterson University’s online RN to BSN program provides the skills and expansive knowledge necessary for successful leadership in the healthcare field.
Learn more about WP’s online RN to BSN program.
