Identify Nursing leaders you admire. List why and then relate those reasons to the RL attributes in this chapter.
ANSWER
Florence Nightingale: Florence Nightingale is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. She was a visionary leader who developed and implemented innovative patient care and nursing education approaches. Nightingale strongly advocated for patient-centred care, infection control, and evidence-based practice. She was also a prolific writer and a skilled communicator, using her influence to improve the standards of nursing care worldwide.
Nightingale’s leadership attributes align with relationship-based theories, particularly transformational leadership. Her visionary approach to nursing, strong advocacy for patient-centred care, and emphasis on evidence-based practice reflect the characteristics of transformational leadership.
Mary Eliza Mahoney: Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African American to graduate from a nursing school in the United States. She was a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in nursing and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African American patients and nurses. Mahoney was a strong advocate for advancing nursing education and professional development.
Mahoney’s leadership attributes align with relationship-based theories, particularly servant leadership. Her focus on advancing nursing education and advocating for the well-being of patients and nurses reflects the characteristics of servant leadership.
Virginia Henderson: Virginia Henderson was a nurse, educator, and researcher who significantly contributed to developing nursing theory and practice. She is best known for her definition of nursing, which emphasizes helping patients achieve independence and self-care. Henderson’s work has had a profound influence on nursing education and practices across the world.
Henderson’s leadership attributes align with relationship-based theories, particularly transformational leadership. Her emphasis on patient-centred care, promotion of independence and self-care, and focus on evidence-based practice reflects the characteristics of transformational leadership.
These nursing leaders have influenced followers in various ways. Their behaviours, such as their focus on patient-centred care, evidence-based practice, and advocacy for professional development, have inspired and motivated nurses to provide high-quality care. They have also influenced the direction of nursing practice and education through their visionary approaches and commitment to advancing the nursing profession.
In summary, nursing leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Mary Eliza Mahoney, and Virginia Henderson have demonstrated vital leadership attributes that align with the relationship-based theories of leadership, particularly transformational and servant leadership. Their behaviours and visionary approaches have influenced nursing practice and education, inspiring and motivating nurses to provide high-quality patient care.
QUESTION
Identify Nursing leaders you admire. List why and then relate those reasons to the RL attributes in this chapter.
Do they fit into one or more of the relationship-based theories?
Do their behaviors influence followers? How?