Leadership skills in healthcare look much different than in the past. As the healthcare landscape becomes more complex and initiatives like health equity take precedence, nurses must possess strong leadership qualities to navigate new waters and deliver high-quality care. With their frontline experience and frequent patient interactions, nurses bring valuable insights into patient needs and workplace challenges. Leadership traits allow them to leverage those viewpoints and enact change.
The William Paterson University (WP) online Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Administration program equips nurses with the essential skills to excel as leaders in this evolving healthcare environment. Graduates complete the theory and practicum course requirements to pursue some of the top nurse leader certifications in the industry, further establishing them as committed, forward-thinking nursing professionals.
What Impact Do Nurse Leadership Skills Have on Organizations?
Every nurse can build their leadership skills and impact their patients and workplace, regardless of their job title. Nursing World states, “A nurse leader is defined by their actions, and not always by a position of authority. Leaders in nursing inspire and influence others to achieve their maximum potential.”
Nurses’ leadership skills may help organizations:
- Maintain more robust evidence-based practices.
- Make fewer errors.
- Provide better patient care.
- Drive industry improvements.
Well-developed leadership abilities empower nurses to guide teamwork, advocate for patients’ needs and introduce positive organizational changes, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of care. Although leadership styles differ, nurses with the following five skills have an undeniable impact on nursing practice.
1. Patient Advocacy
Healthcare has many moving parts — providers, insurers and treatments, to name a few. This complexity makes navigating the system overwhelming for some patients, especially those with limited health literacy and language differences. To tackle these challenges, nurse leaders can establish procedures and policies that put patients first and empower them to become more involved in their care.
By focusing on clear communication, care coordination and health education, nurses can curate care experiences that honor patients’ beliefs and needs.
2. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Effective collaboration is fundamental to delivering comprehensive and coordinated care. Nurse leaders know how to foster teamwork, leveraging their strong interpersonal communication skills to build relationships across departments and disciplines. With open communication and mutual respect, nurses can share knowledge and solve problems with colleagues to ensure patients receive well-rounded, optimal care.
3. Emotional Intelligence
Nurse leaders benefit significantly from developing soft skills like emotional intelligence. Nurses with emotional intelligence are self-aware and rational during difficult situations while remaining sensitive to others’ needs and expectations. Those with above-average soft skills often have an easier time cultivating solid relationships and resolving conflicts, improving teamwork and care delivery.
4. Time Management
Downtime is rare in nursing, so nurses need time management skills to prioritize tasks and juggle many responsibilities. Efficient time management means nurses can complete critical tasks, such as patient assessments, medication administration and documentation, and address other issues as they arise. Having a bevy of time-saving strategies to pull from can also help nurses minimize stress and prevent burnout.
5. Continuous Learning
Nurses must keep learning to stay updated on healthcare advancements and hone their nursing practice. A commitment to continuous education — whether reading books, listening to podcasts or enrolling in a course — allows nurses to adapt and upskill quickly, preparing them for new roles and more comprehensive patient care.
Become a Better Nurse Leader With William Paterson University
As nursing practices evolve, so must nurses. In today’s environment, nurses require robust leadership skills, like communication and time management, for success in any role. By investing in growing these attributes through WP’s online RN to MSN – Nursing Administration program, nurses can improve patient outcomes and positively impact their workplaces, shaping the future of care delivery.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online RN to MSN – Nursing Administration program.
