Strong nursing leaders are essential to navigate the constantly evolving healthcare industry. They serve as role models and influence healthcare organizations at all levels. A strong nurse leader motivates their colleagues, setting the tone for a safe, civil workplace with a culture of high morale and job retention. According to ANA, a nurse leader is defined by their actions, and not always by a position of authority. Leaders in nursing inspire and influence others to achieve their maximum potential. They use applied leadership in nursing by drawing upon critical thinking skills to manage a team. Nurse leaders take a broad view of how daily tasks impact the overall goals of the healthcare organization. They communicate expectations to their team and motivate them to achieve predetermined goals. Critical skills for effective nursing leadership include communication and collaboration, education and quality of practice, environmental health and resource utilization, ethics and professional practice evaluation, professionalism and leadership.

​

Effective nurse leaders possess qualities such as compassion, empathy, confidence, courage, conflict resolution skills, commitment, focus on practice improvement, active listening, embrace of diversity, employee development skills, and relationship building. In summary, successful nursing leaders in Nurse Anesthesia are those who possess a combination of essential nursing, business, and leadership skills developed through ongoing learning. They must be flexible enough to adapt to technological changes, fluctuating payment methods, new treatment modalities, and evolving regulatory and legislative environments.

​

Nursing leaders play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. According to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), nursing leaders must recognize the prevalence of homogeneity in nursing education programs and take individual and collective responsibility to diversify the profession.

​

Nurse leaders promote inclusivity by providing all nurses with a welcoming work environment, encouraging everyone to share their views and giving them a voice, fostering their individuality and uniqueness. Nurse leaders break down barriers by deeming harassment, prejudice, intolerance, and racism unacceptable in the workplace. They also encourage underrepresented populations to seek careers in nursing. Nursing leaders provide all nurses with the opportunity to work on randomized tasks and enhance their learning. Be aware of implicit bias, cognizant of your own bias, and work to teach others about implicit bias. Promote mentorship by seeking  out a mentor or becoming one. Stay current on the latest healthcare trends, get involved with public policy formation, volunteer for committee roles and become involved in the community, promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

​

Nurse leaders with high integrity are viewed as trustworthy and dependable. They inspire others to do the same and are devoted to offering the best healthcare services to patients and their families. Effective communication is essential for leading successful teams. Nurse leaders communicate clearly and concisely with their team members, patients, and their families. Nurse leaders must be able to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions. They should be able to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions. Nurse leaders understand and relate to the feelings of their patients and their families, providing emotional support and comfort to those in need. They adapt to changing situations and environments, adjusting their leadership style to meet the needs of their team members and patients. Nurse leaders are committed to providing high-quality patient care, dedicated to their profession, and always strive to improve their skills and knowledge. They have a clear vision of their goals and objectives and inspire team members to work towards achieving those goals.