Name
Chamberlain University
NR-582: Leadership and Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2023) emphasizes that the role of the master’s-prepared nurse leader extends beyond bedside care. These professionals are entrusted with responsibilities such as enhancing the quality of patient outcomes, guiding interprofessional teams, fostering innovative nursing practices, coordinating care across healthcare systems, and applying evidence-based research into practice. Furthermore, nurse leaders at the master’s level contribute significantly to shaping healthcare policies and assume accountability for patient care quality. They are trained to use critical decision-making skills to address complex healthcare challenges and drive organizational improvement.
The purpose of this paper is to reflect on personal leadership experiences, analyze leadership styles and competencies, and explore strategies for continued professional growth in nursing leadership.
Throughout my 10-year nursing career, I have taken on several leadership roles, including unit manager at a sub-acute rehabilitation facility, director of nursing, and clinical consultant. These positions have shaped my confidence and competence as a leader. My first managerial role was offered just six months after earning my nursing license, which initially felt overwhelming. However, the encouragement and mentorship I received from my director and other seasoned leaders helped me develop resilience and confidence.
Working closely with nurses, physicians, and administrators enabled me to refine my leadership skills and embrace accountability. Although I recognize there is still room for improvement, I feel prepared to serve in leadership capacities and contribute to the professional development of others.
Effective leaders are characterized by traits such as integrity, humility, creativity, motivation, resilience, and confidence (Institute of Medicine, 2004). My leadership philosophy aligns most closely with Transformational Leadership, which emphasizes balancing organizational and personal goals, self-awareness, and inspiring others through vision. I aim to lead with emotional intelligence and employ innovative strategies for problem-solving and conflict management.
In addition to transformational leadership, I see Complexity Leadership as vital for the future of nursing practice. This approach emphasizes adaptability and responsiveness within complex healthcare systems (Uhl-Bien et al., 2020). By promoting organizational adaptability, nurse leaders can mitigate staff burnout, improve team performance, and enhance patient care delivery.
The American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL, 2023) identifies several key competencies for nurse leaders. My strengths and areas for growth are outlined below:
Professionalism – I strongly advocate for patient-centered care and ensure patients actively participate in decision-making processes. Upholding accountability and advocating for health policies remain central to my leadership approach.
Communication and Relationship Management – I have built effective interdisciplinary relationships that support collaboration. My communication style emphasizes dialogue rather than directive instruction, fostering clarity and trust.
Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment – While I follow organizational policies, I recognize the need to integrate evidence-based practices more consistently into leadership decisions.
Business Skills and Principles – Budgetary management remains an area of limited experience. Although I manage nursing budgets, I lack comprehensive exposure to operational decision-making and data analysis that informs budget development.
| Competency | Strengths | Areas for Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Professionalism | Advocates for patient safety and policy improvements; ensures accountability. | Needs more active integration of evidence-based practices into leadership decision-making. |
| Communication & Relationship Mgmt. | Builds collaborative relationships; promotes clear and respectful communication. | Limited experience in managing conflicts tied to complex financial or operational constraints. |
| Knowledge of Healthcare Environment | Understands care delivery models within scope of practice. | Requires deeper engagement with evidence-based models for improving organizational processes. |
| Business Skills & Principles | Basic experience in budget oversight. | Needs enhanced skills in financial analysis, operational management, and strategic business planning. |
To strengthen competencies, several evidence-based strategies can be applied:
Commitment to Lifelong Learning – Continuous education enables nurse leaders to stay current with evolving healthcare practices. Engaging in advanced courses, workshops, and professional certifications supports ongoing improvement (Institute of Medicine, 2004).
Strengthening Communication – Fostering two-way communication encourages collaboration and promotes shared decision-making between leaders, staff, and patients.
Collaboration for Patient Safety – Leaders must engage staff in quality improvement initiatives while reinforcing the economic and operational context of healthcare delivery. This collaborative model increases both patient safety and staff satisfaction.
Financial Literacy Development – Actively participating in departmental budget planning and exploring financial management training will enhance business acumen.
In summary, the role of a master’s-prepared nurse leader requires the ability to lead change, improve patient outcomes, apply evidence-based practices, and collaborate across disciplines (AACN, 2011). My leadership approach aligns with transformational and complexity leadership theories, as they emphasize adaptability, emotional intelligence, and innovation. While I possess strengths in professionalism and communication, I recognize the need for growth in business and evidence-based competencies. Adopting strategies such as lifelong learning, improved communication, and financial training will support my development as an effective nurse leader and strengthen my contribution to healthcare systems.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2011). The essentials of master’s education in nursing. https://www.aacnnursing.org/portals/42/publications/mastersessentials11.pdf
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2023). Master’s prepared nurse roles. https://www.aacnnursing.org
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). (2015). AONL nurse manager competencies. https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). (2023). Nurse leader core competencies. https://www.aonl.org/system/files/media/file/2023/03/AONL_CCDocument_031323_PRO.pdf
Institute of Medicine. (2004). Keeping patients safe: Transforming the work environment of nurses. National Academies Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216194/
Uhl-Bien, M., Meyer, D., & Smith, J. (2020). Complexity leadership in the nursing context. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 44(2), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000407
