Nurse Leader Characteristics

Another quality of a great nurse leader is the empowerment of their subordinates. “One way that leaders empower subordinates is when they delegate assignments to provide learning opportunities and allow employees to share in the satisfaction derived from achievement” (Maquis, Huston, 2017, p. 330). A nurse leader empowers staff through opportunities for growth and self-improvement. This is applicable through finding the employees opportunities to obtain new certifications, attend classes that the hospital offers, and providing incentives for self-improvement in these areas (Marquis, Huston, 2017, p. 335). Another characteristic of a professional nurse leader is that they are open to opinions, ideas, and criticism of subordinates and peers.

Allowing subordinates a route for submitting constructive grievances improves overall performance and allows employees to feel like their opinions matter and their voices are being heard (Marquis, Huston, 2017, p. 689). A great nurse leader emphasizes teamwork. They are hardworking and they hold their employees to the same standard of professionalism. “Nurse leaders play a direct role in controlling the work environment” (Roberts-Turner, et al, 2014, p. 237). So if a nurse leader wants her floor to be an environment of professionalism, that is something that she must first display. Another part of being a leader is understanding the importance of self-care. “You must take care of yourself before you can take care of others” (Marquis, Huston, 2017, p. 334). It is necessary for someone in a profession to take time to rejuvenate. This is especially true in a hospital. It is very easy to get exhausted, leading to the potential for costly and possibly life-threatening mistakes (Marquis, Huston, 2017, p. 334).”The most influential factors are the wide variety of work-related stressors (physical, social, and psychological in nature) that are continually present in the work environment” (Smith Lewis, Cunningham, 2016, p. 13). These factors