DiversityNursing Blog

Diversity in Nursing leadership is essential for delivering equitable, culturally competent care and fostering innovation within healthcare systems. As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, it is imperative Nurse leadership reflects this diversity to effectively address health disparities and improve patient outcomes.

Traditionally, diversity is spoken about in terms of racial differences. But health systems are expanding the way they approach diversity, especially in Nurse leadership.

Christine Alexander, MD, President and CEO of MetroHealth, told Becker’s, "When we think about diverse Nursing, it’s about veterans, people with injuries or disabilities, and those from all backgrounds."

Implement Inclusive Recruitment Practices

To cultivate a diverse leadership team, healthcare organizations should implement structured and unbiased recruitment processes. This involves establishing diverse hiring committees, crafting inclusive job descriptions, and employing recruitment strategies designed to reduce unconscious bias. Collaborating with professional Nursing associations and educational institutions can further assist in recruiting candidates from different backgrounds.

Kevin Zeng, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center believes increasing diversity means real diversity in thought and problem solving and that starts during the hiring process. 

According to Becker's, Mr. Zeng asks specific questions about problem solving and how the candidate reached their conclusion.“I don’t need to agree with their method or even the result, but I do want to see that their thinking is structured and distinct,” he said.

Establish Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs

Mentorship serves as an influential mechanism for empowering Nurses from all backgrounds to aspire to be in leadership positions. By offering guidance, support, and avenues for professional growth, mentors play a major role in bridging the gap between potential and achievement. An effective mentorship program can amplify the voices and career trajectories of underrepresented Nurses, ensuring they are well-prepared for leadership opportunities.

Foster an Inclusive Workplace Culture

Establishing an inclusive workplace culture is key for the retention and success of diverse leaders. This can be achieved by encouraging open communication, offering diversity training or Unconscious Bias (UB) training, and forming employee resource groups.

A Harvard Business Review article discussed the effects of Unconscious Bias Training stating, "In a study we conducted at a pharmaceutical company, the results of two surveys we did, and the work of other scholars, we see the positive impact UB training has. Not only do employees report heightened awareness of bias, but they also show less bias and prejudice weeks after the training. They start finding the workplace to be more inclusive—somewhere that differences are cherished rather than tolerated. And women, people of color, and people with disabilities report feeling a greater sense of belonging and respect for their contributions."

Implementing inclusive policies and practices, such as flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits, further enhances a supportive environment. It is important for leaders to exemplify inclusive behaviors and show both themselves and their teams are accountable for maintaining these values.

Engage in Community Outreach

Healthcare organizations can facilitate more meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) solutions through community outreach. By partnering with local schools, universities, and community centers, Nurse leaders and community members gain a deeper understanding of the trust between patient and caregiver necessary to provide high-quality care. 

According to the American Nurses Association, community members will be more likely to engage in local events and services such as health screenings and vaccination clinics when they feel part of an inclusive health care system that understands their unique perspective.

Such outreach also creates future candidate pools by attracting and developing diverse talent within the community.

Advocate for Policy Changes

Advocacy also plays a role in promoting diversity within Nursing leadership. By pushing for policy changes that address systemic barriers and promote equity, Nursing advocates can help create a more diverse leadership landscape. Through sustained advocacy efforts, the Nursing profession can implement effective strategies to increase diversity in leadership positions.

Advancing diverse Nurse leadership requires a multifaceted approach that includes inclusive recruitment, mentorship, fostering an inclusive culture, community engagement, and advocacy. By implementing these strategies, healthcare organizations can create a leadership team that reflects the diverse populations they serve, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.​

The journey from bedside Nursing to leadership can feel like a leap into uncharted territory. However, with the right mindset, preparation, and strategy, this transition can be both fulfilling and impactful. Whether you're looking to become a Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, or Director of Nursing, this guide provides actionable steps to help you navigate the shift successfully.

Assess Your Motivation and Goals

Transitioning into leadership requires clarity about why you want to make the move. Ask yourself questions like:

• What draws me to leadership?

• How can I make a broader impact on patient care?

• What are my long-term career aspirations?

Understanding your motivations will help you stay focused and navigate challenges with purpose.

Build Foundational Leadership Skills

Leadership roles demand a different skill set than bedside Nursing. Start by cultivating skills such as:

• Effective Communication: Learn to communicate with diverse teams and adapt your style to different audiences.

• Conflict Resolution: Develop techniques to mediate disagreements and foster a collaborative work environment.

• Time Management: Master prioritization and delegation to juggle administrative and clinical responsibilities.
  
  

Pursue Further Education

Many leadership roles require advanced education. Consider:

• Enrolling in a Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Administration program.

• Taking courses in healthcare management, business administration, or human resources.

• Attending workshops or obtaining certifications like the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).
  
  

Seek Mentorship

Identify leaders you admire within your organization or professional network. A mentor can:

• Provide guidance on navigating challenges.

• Share insights about the realities of leadership roles.

• Offer advice on career development and opportunities.
  
  

Gain Leadership Experience

Start small by seeking leadership opportunities in your current role. Examples include:

• Volunteering to lead committees or quality improvement projects.

• Acting as a preceptor or mentor for new Nurses.

• Serving as a Charge Nurse to manage shift operations.

These experiences will not only enhance your resume but also build your confidence in leading others.

Develop Financial and Administrative Acumen

Leadership roles often involve budget management, staffing, and policy development. Familiarize yourself with:

• Budgeting basics and resource allocation.

• Staffing metrics and scheduling systems.

• Regulatory standards and compliance requirements.
  
  

Network Strategically

Join professional organizations like the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) or local Nurse leader groups. Networking can:

• Connect you with potential mentors and peers.

• Keep you informed about industry trends and job opportunities.

• Provide access to leadership conferences and webinars.
  
  

Showcase Your Potential

When applying for leadership roles, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight:

• Leadership experiences and achievements.

• Problem-solving abilities and initiative.

• Examples of collaboration and team-building.

During interviews, emphasize your passion for driving positive change and your vision for leadership.

Prepare for the Emotional Shift

Leaving bedside Nursing can be emotionally challenging. You may miss direct patient care, but remember:

• Your leadership will influence the care of countless patients through staff empowerment and improved systems.

• Staying connected to clinical work, such as shadowing shifts occasionally, can ease the transition.
  
  

Stay Open to Feedback and Growth

Leadership is a continuous learning process. Solicit feedback from peers, staff, and mentors to refine your approach. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and adapt.

Transitioning from bedside Nursing to leadership is a transformative step that requires self-reflection, skill development, and perseverance. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a commitment to your goals, you can become a leader who inspires and empowers others while making a lasting impact on healthcare outcomes.

Strong Nursing leadership is essential to aid in navigating the constant evolution of the Nursing profession. Nursing leaders have various responsibilities, including budget balancing, maintaining patient and staff satisfaction, influencing healthcare decisions, and much more.  

Nurse leaders set the tone for a productive, collaborative, and safe work environment with their leadership style. Here are some common Nurse leadership styles you may encounter in the workplace.

Transformational Nurse Leadership Style

Transformational Nurse leaders are charismatic, innovative, and supportive in their leadership style. They excel in Nurse mentorship, making them the perfect fit for mentoring new Nurses and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Transformational Nurse leaders promote the success of their employees and the overall team to encourage better patient outcomes. This Nursing leadership style results in improved job satisfaction and excellent team morale.

The Autocratic Nurse Leadership Style 

The autocratic Nurse leader maintains tight control over the entire team and often makes decisions unilaterally with little to no employee input. This type of Nurse leader allows little room for mistakes and takes an authoritarian approach to their leadership. Nurse leaders with an autocratic style work great under pressure and can delegate tasks effectively.

Autocratic Nurse leaders often excel in emergency or critical care settings, where quick and accurate decisions are required for safe and effective patient care. One downfall of an autocratic leadership approach is the lack of open communication, which can result in some team members feeling unwelcome or uninvolved.

The Laissez-Faire Leadership Style 

A laissez-faire Nurse leader takes a hands-off approach to their leadership style. They allow the Nursing team members to function with autonomy, permitting them to make independent decisions with little input or direction from management.

Laissez-faire leaders thrive in environments where team members are highly trained, skilled, and motivated, but they do not fair as well in settings where Nurses need more support, like the help new graduate Nurses need.

The Democratic Leadership Style

Democratic Nurse leaders take a collaborative approach to achieve team success. Nurse leaders with a democratic style involve all team members in decision-making processes and seek input from staff to improve outcomes. Democratic nurse leaders encourage open communication and transparency to foster creative solutions to improve patient care.

Democratic leaders delegate decisions and responsibilities to team members, which can help members feel respected, appreciated, and trusted. Democratic Nurse leaders may not excel in areas of Nursing where urgent situations that call for rapid decision-making are needed because time-sensitive matters do not allow for collaborative input from team members.

The Servant Nurse Leadership Style

The servant Nurse leader prioritizes the development and well-being of the Nursing team members. Servant leaders use encouragement to foster a collaborative and caring work environment where employees feel valued and respected. This leadership style prioritizes the needs of others to promote teamwork, which improves patient care.  

Servant Nurse leaders believe empowered Nurses provide better patient care and they do everything they can to support their staff. This method of Nurse leadership works well with Nurses who are goal-driven, but they do not fair as well for Nurse teams who underperform or lack direction.

The Situational Nurse Leadership Style

Situational Nurse leadership is the most adaptable form of leadership in Nursing. These leaders adjust their leadership style based on the team members' readiness, maturity, skills, and knowledge in a given situation.  

Situational Nurse leaders adapt their approach to meet their Nursing team's specific needs and capabilities. They must be flexible enough to modify their approach. This leadership style works well for Nursing teams with varying strengths and abilities.

The Transactional Nurse Leadership Style

Transactional Nurse leaders are goal and task-oriented and work well with tight deadlines. A transactional Nurse leader focuses on day-to-day operations by using a system of rewards and punishments to motivate and manage the Nursing team.

For example, Nurses who call out sick often may suffer the consequence of being written up, while Nurses who never call in sick may receive a bonus or front-row parking space as a reward. The reward and punishment method is used to achieve compliance from followers and provides structure for employees.  

What Nurse Leadership Style Works Best For You?

Influential Nurse leaders often employ a combination of these leadership styles based on their specific circumstances. The approach of Nurse leaders influences the dynamics of the healthcare environment and makes a big difference in how effectively Nursing teams work together.

Nurse leaders of all types are essential to the healthcare system. Their impact extends beyond their immediate groups, influencing the overall quality and safety of patient care.

To truly excel in a Nurse leadership role, it takes a unique blend of qualities and attributes that empower Nurses to guide their teams and achieve positive patient outcomes.

Here are some key traits and characteristics commonly associated with successful leadership:

Strong Communication Skills: Effective Nurse leaders possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. They can clearly articulate their expectations, actively listen to others, and provide constructive feedback. Clear communication helps foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and ensure the delivery of quality care.

Susan Adams, an Associate Professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis said, “Communication is not you telling people your thoughts or ideas. The most powerful part of communication is being a good, active listener. You must listen to understand the perspective and be able to verbally reflect that back. Once a person is heard, you’ve established a foundation to move forward.”

Integrity and Ethics: Nurse leaders must demonstrate high levels of integrity and ethical conduct. They serve as role models for their teams and maintain professional standards in their practice. Acting with honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical decision-making builds a culture of trust and respect.

Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence involves being aware of and managing one's emotions while understanding and empathizing with others. Nurse leaders with high emotional intelligence can effectively navigate complex situations, display empathy towards patients and staff, and build strong interpersonal relationships.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Successful leaders possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They can analyze complex situations, make informed decisions, and develop innovative solutions. This trait allows them to navigate challenges effectively and guide their teams towards optimal patient outcomes.

Adaptability and Flexibility: In the dynamic healthcare environment, Nurse leaders need to be adaptable and flexible. They must be open to change, able to adjust their strategies as needed, and embrace new technologies and practices. Adaptability enables them to respond to emerging healthcare trends and effectively lead their teams through transitions.

Visionary Leadership: Nurse leaders with a clear vision inspire and motivate their teams. They possess the ability to envision the future of healthcare, set goals, and communicate a compelling vision to their staff. By sharing their vision and aligning the team's efforts, leaders can foster innovation and achieve organizational success.

Collaboration and Team Building: Successful Nurse leaders prioritize collaboration and team building. They value the input and expertise of their team members and create an environment that encourages open communication, teamwork, and collaboration. Leaders who foster a sense of belonging and trust among their staff create a supportive and productive work culture.

Continuous Learning: Leaders who prioritize continuous learning contribute to their own professional growth and the development of their teams. They stay updated with current research, evidence-based practices, and industry advancements. By embracing lifelong learning, they can provide evidence-based care and guide their teams towards excellence.

Resilience: Often, Nurse leaders encounter various challenges and obstacles. Resilience allows them to bounce back from setbacks, overcome adversity, and maintain a positive outlook. They inspire resilience in their teams, ensuring the provision of quality care even in challenging circumstances.

According to the University of Cincinnati, research shows effective Nurse leaders as teachers, mentors, and coaches, that foster resilience in their team members in 7 distinct ways. Those include:

• Facilitating social connections
• Promoting positivity
• Capitalizing on strengths
• Nurturing growth
• Encouraging self-care
• Fostering mindfulness practices
• Conveying altruism

Empowerment and Mentorship: Leaders empower their team members and promote their professional growth. They provide guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. By investing in their staff's development, they create a culture of empowerment and foster a sense of job satisfaction.

While these traits and characteristics are important for successful Nurse leadership, it's important to note that leadership skills can be developed and enhanced over time with experience, education, and self-reflection.

Health care organizations rely on Nurse leaders to manage teams, patient care, and promote organizational goals. In order to meet these goals, a successful Nurse leader must possess certain qualities such as...

Good communication. In healthcare, effective communication can literally be the difference between life and death. 

Nurse leaders should make themselves accessible and establish an environment that promotes an open-door policy so Nurses feel comfortable discussing issues or concerns. Team meetings is another great way to keep regular communication throughout shifts. 

Accountability. Nurse leaders are responsible for creating and maintaining a culture of accountability.

According to Duquesne University, some of the steps to creating a culture of accountability include:

• Building trust: The foundation for successful workplace accountability is trust. Employees who trust each other are more willing to accept and act on constructive criticism rather than assuming it is ill-willed.
• Developing strong communication skills: Individuals who use an assertive communication style can express information in an honest, open, and direct manner. The assertive communication style is not aggressive in tone, but instead is respectful and avoids blame and criticism.
• Developing clear expectations: The American Nurses Association (ANA) outlines the expectations and responsibilities for all Nurses including the overall responsibility for their patients and practice. Nurse leaders should continually remind Nurses of the expectations of practice.
• Modeling accountability: A workplace that has leaders who accept responsibility and hold themselves and others accountable creates a culture of accountability. Nurses who are leading teams of Nurses must be open to feedback and criticism. 

Emotionally Supportive. Without empathy, you can't build a team or nurture a future generation of leaders. 

Empathy in healthcare means more than just being a sounding board. It requires conscious effort to take a step back and respect a coworker's feelings, needs, and concerns. This process requires a skill set that can be developed with time, practice, and instruction. When healthcare workers can discuss and cope with their emotions, they can better care for their patients and avoid or manage stress that leads to burnout.

Goal Getter. A great Nurse leader is always striving for excellence, and that requires evaluating how the organization is doing, identifying priorities for improvement, setting measurable goals, leading teams to achieve them, and then celebrating those achievements.

Adaptable. The role of a Nurse will always be evolving and changing. Nurse leaders must possess the ability to be flexible and adapt to new environments, technologies, policies, and as we've seen over the last year with COVID-19, global health issues.

These qualities are important throughout the entire Nursing industry, regardless of where you are in your career. Even if you aren't a manager, you can use these leadership skills to motivate your team to be more efficient and productive.

Chief Nursing Officers have a wide variety of responsibilities. Their role has become more complex with the COVID-19 pandemic, social injustices, and systemic racism in the United States.

The pandemic is straining the healthcare profession. Nurses are under immense stress and Nursing leaders need to use best practices to address the mental and emotional trauma their teams are enduring.

In an article by HealthLeaders, Penn Medicine Princeton Health Chief Nursing Officer, Sheila Kempf, PhD, RN, NEA-BC said they are implementing many strategies to care for Nurses' mental health.

Some of those strategies include training staff to recognize the signs of being at high risk for emotional distress, and when peers should be referred to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Also the hospital has contracted a trauma clinical Psychologist to talk with staff and run support groups with the EAP and the Ministries department.

CNO's should recommend frequent breaks or a quiet space for Nurses to retreat to.

Nurse leaders are also facing the challenges of short staffing, low resources, and supplies.

According to a survey by Inspire Nurse Leaders, 53% of Nurse Leaders reported difficulty meeting work and family needs due to inadequate staffing.

Risley-Gray also said, health systems need to hire outside help when Nurses become infected or get exposed to the virus. Aspirus is offering Nurses who have at least one year's experience a $15,000 signing bonus, as well as employing contract Nurses via private staffing companies.

2020 not only brought forth a pandemic, it also put a spotlight on systemic racism and racial health disparities.

Sharon Hampton, PhD, RN and Director of Clinical Operations at Stanford Health said, "We've discussed our ethical and moral responsibilities to deal with this crisis. Nursing is really in this position to help the public understand and to advocate."

Healthcare systems and Nurse leaders should be promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels of the workplace.

Kelly Hancock, RN, DNP and Executive CNO of the Cleveland Clinic Health System, said more diversity would help the Nursing workforce “provide more customized, culturally-sensitive and safer care” and “better assess, accommodate and cater to the healthcare needs of different minority groups.”

Those in leadership positions should reflect the diverse patient populations they serve.

According to HealthLeaders Media, a study by the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity found that racial minorities represented 32% of patients in hospitals that participated in the study, but similar representation wasn't found among the health care leadership. According to the study, 19% of first- and mid-level management positions, 14% of hospital board membership positions, and 11% of executive leadership positions were held by racial minorities.

Hospitals and health systems must commit to increasing diversity within their leadership to improve patient outcomes, reduce racial health disparities, and build stronger communities.

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role was created by the American Association of Colleges in Nursing (AACN) in 2003.

According to a journal from the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, The CNL understands microsystem issues and their relationship to larger organizational issues. This perspective provides a two-way flow of information to and from health system leaders as they direct an institutional response to the pandemic around issues such as assessing patterns of spread, patient acuity, appropriate staffing levels, and personal protective equipment utilization.

A successful CNL must be confident in their communication abilities. They're expected to provide the coaching and direction staff needs to adapt to frequent changes. Whether it be transforming hospital departments into COVID-19 units or creating sanitation and PPE protocols for staff.

Communication is also key in keeping staff informed and calm throughout the pandemic by addressing any questions or concerns they have. Nurses want to feel that management has their backs, and CNLs are the ones they will look to in times of need.

Leaders should be responsible for supporting the well-being and mental health of the healthcare team. CNLs should advocate for adequate programs and resources for Nurses to cope and deal with stress.

Not only should Nurse leaders advocate for their fellow Nurses, they should also be the voice for their patients.  According to NursingCenter, the CNL acts as a patient advocate by incorporating patients' unique values, desires, needs, and perspectives into patient care delivery.

Another way Nurse leaders advocate for patients during COVID-19 is providing a way for patients to communicate with their families. Because of the pandemic, visitation is prohibited. Leaders work with management to provide devices for patients to see and talk with loved ones.

Lastly, a successful Nurse leader must be resilient. Personal resilience is key and leaders can find it by…

• Letting go of what they can't control
• Leading with their head as well as their heart
• Showing strength through vulnerability

The CNL is a valuable member of the Nursing profession and team. They do their best to maintain safety while providing the best patient care possible during this extremely stressful pandemic.

Patient numbers are growing and so is the pressure for health care organizations to operate efficiently. Educated and experienced Nurse leaders are needed to manage teams, patient care, and promote organizational goals. In order to accomplish these goals, a successful Nurse leader must possess certain qualities that include...

Critical-Thinking and Decision-Making Skills

A Mississippi College article said, "Whether developing technology, advocating for patients, or running hospitals, Nurses need decision-making skills. For example, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) says Nurse leaders must identify problems and areas of waste, devise and implement plans for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to achieve goals. These responsibilities require an ability to analyze problems, look at the bigger picture, and devise solutions."

Relationship Management

According to Lippincott Solutions, Nurse leaders must be able to manage relationships with a wide variety of individuals because collaboration and team work are required to deliver high-quality patient care. Effective communication skills are keys to managing any relationship, but they’re especially important to Nurse leaders who must engage in a variety of relationships. These skills are also important for resolving conflicts and moving toward common goals.

Mentoring and Creating Future Leaders

In an ANA article, the quote “If your unit or department can run without you, you have done your job.” is very true. A successful leader will mentor and invest in experienced Nurses as a succession strategy to help guarantee the team's mission and values remain intact well into the future.

If you believe you posses these qualities and are interested in becoming a Nurse leader, there are different roles you can aspire to become. Some leadership roles include Head Nurse, Patient Care Director, Middle Level Management, Chief Nursing Officer, and CEO.

There are steps you can take in achieving a new leadership position.

Hospitals often need Nurses to serve on volunteer committees or advisory boards. Becoming a volunteer is an additional way to demonstrate leadership initiative. By offering your time, you’re proving to upper management that you truly care about helping your healthcare facility be the best it can be.

Earning your Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) could be the key to opening up a world of leadership opportunities in your Nursing career, according to Nurse Journal. Not only will your MSN courses help you sharpen your leadership skills and acquire qualifications for more advanced positions, MSN degrees often offer areas of specialization you can pursue.

Are you a Nurse leader and have helpful tips you'd like to share? Is there a Nurse leader you look up to and want to share what characteristics inspire you? Please comment below – we would love to hear from you!