4 Skills Needed for Nursing Leadership Positions
Effective leaders are needed in every industry. Leaders guide others in achieving goals and provide support and encouragement along the way. They help organizations to become successful by creating a sense of unity, and they empower others to achieve their full potential.
As the nursing field is continuing to grow and change at a rapid rate, leaders are needed now more than ever. Becoming a leader in nursing presents exciting opportunities to make changes that impact others in a positive way.
So, how can one pursue positions in nursing leadership? Here are some characteristics that make a successful leader in the field.
The Ability to Inspire Other Leaders
Successful leaders are able to empower others to lead, because they have the best interest of their organization in mind. They value the perspective of others and what they bring to the table. Nurse leaders understand the value of teamwork, because they know they cannot accomplish every task on their own.
Today, nurses who want to take on a management role can earn their MSN in leadership in healthcare systems. With this degree, nurses prepare to lead others and manage resources to achieve organizational goals. They gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment and the skills needed to meet ethical and professional standards. As a result, they may become frontrunners in the field and inspire others to do the same.
Good Communication Skills
Those who pursue nursing leadership positions must be able to effectively communicate with all kinds of audiences. Within the organization in which they work, they communicate with employees they oversee, coworkers and authorities. It is important that in these interactions, nurse leaders are open and honest in order to earn the trust of others.
In addition, nurse leaders must be able to effectively communicate with their patients and individuals from other organizations. When it comes to working with patients, nurse leaders are able to identify their needs in order to determine the best treatment plan. They go above and beyond to understand others and their perspective.
Problem-Solving Skills
With the satisfaction of patients at the forefront of their practice, those in nursing leadership positions possess problem-solving skills to create solutions in the healthcare field. They are able to define problems that must be addressed, often before they arise. They propose solutions and effectively implement them, and they are able to do this due to their extensive knowledge of the nursing industry. In addition, business knowledge is beneficial for nurse leaders in problem solving.
Today, nurses can further their education by enrolling in a dual MBA and MSN degree program. With an emphasis in nursing leadership in healthcare systems, this degree equips nurses to develop cross-functional business management skills and leadership competences in nursing. As a result, they can address business problems in the field, allowing them to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
An Attitude of Service
Nurse leaders understand the value of service and make it the focus of their practice. They place the needs of their patients as top priority and encourage others in their organization to do the same. For example, nurse leaders can create an organizational culture of service by treating patients and their families with great care and respect. This can lead to successful interactions, which sets an example for others. Ultimately, those in nursing leadership positions become role models by adopting a servant-leader attitude.
Those who succeed in nursing are knowledgeable and passionate about their work. In addition, having strong leadership skills can help nurses stand out and advance in their position. Ultimately, nurse leaders act as role models in the field, setting a high standard of excellence in their practice.
Grand Canyon University’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions offers a wide variety of degree programs for those who are passionate about the nursing and healthcare fields. To learn more about earning an education at GCU, request more information today!
Written by Lauren Abraham, a junior majoring in communications at GCU.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
