Implications for leadership practice
Although the evidence base for the connection
between leadership and patient outcomes is far from
prescriptive, what we do know suggests that positive
leadership is pivotal in creating working conditions
that optimize nursing practice promoting high quality
patient care. Professional work environments that foster
strong nursing practice include collaborative teamwork,
autonomous decision making, professional
development, adequate staffing and skill mix which
are most closely aligned with patient safety outcomes
(Estabrooks et al. 2005). Although these environments
are created by the contributions of both unit leaders
and staff, leaders must have the vision, problem solving
abilities and the relationship-building skills to navigate
the dynamic contexts of organizations to obtain
needed resources and support. They also need to
engage and empower staff in a way that instills a
sense of accountability, confidence and professionalism.