Nurse as leader
Nurse leaders have a tremendous responsibility; those they lead are often holding human life and dignity in their hands. Without inspiration and support, the opportunity to make a difference in a person's life may pass. The characteristics of a successful transformational nurse leader are described throughout the literature. The importance of integrity, authenticity, and honesty within a transformational leader can't be underscored enough. However, these characteristics can also be considered the basic foundation for a leader's ability to be personally and professionally resilient.Today's nurse leaders often find themselves torn between priorities and are challenged by competing needs of their staff and organization. It's in this moment that a nurse leader needs to have the belief and hope that he or she can continue to make a difference. Experience as a successful nurse leader tends to foster this belief, which helps build resilience.1 Leaders who are resilient know who they are and what they stand for, which enables them to be directed by their inner compass—their foundational values. This level of introspection allows them to focus on what's meaningful.2 The question then is: How does a nurse leader build and maintain his or her resiliency in the face of turbulence and increasing levels of accountability?