Implications for nursing management
The trends and complexities of nursing care make
change and transformation in nursing leadership and
management imperative. This study adds to the understanding
of factors that facilitate and impede nursing
leadership. A nursing directors work includes general
strategic, administrative or executive supervision;
however, their vision and strategies should be communicated
to the nursing staff. Assistants or secretaries
could handle some routine work to save valuable time
for the nursing director. This time could be better used
interacting with, and supporting nurse managers and
nursing staff that are closer to the patients.
Periodic anonymous perceptions and feedback from
nursing staff can be a useful way of assessing of nursing
leadership performances. The nurse managers should
also endeavour to discuss the concerns of the nursing
staff with the nursing director. The nursing director can
present these views to the senior hospital management
board and latter should ensure that feedback is
promptly given to the nursing staff.
Acknowledgement
This research has been supported by the strategic funding of
the University of Eastern Finland.
Source of funding
We thank the participating hospitals for kind collaboration.
Ethical approval
The study was reviewed and approved by the Research
Ethical Committee of the Northern Savo Hospital District
(Permission number 46/2007).
In addition research permission was given by the
Chief executive medical directors, Chief nursing officers
and Personnel managers of all four hospitals.
The questionnaires included the researchers’ contact
details and information about the study participation
was voluntary and anonymous.