Leadership in Nursing
Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, yet leadership in nursing is often overlooked. Leadership exists in many forms, from staff nurses advocating for patients at the bedside to nurse managers, union leaders, and educators shaping policies and mentoring others. Strong nurse leaders influence change and drive improvements, particularly in patient safety and quality care.
Leadership isn’t confined to formal titles—every nurse has opportunities to lead. Leadership is embedded in daily practice, whether mentoring new staff, acting as a charge nurse, or guiding students as a preceptor. Nurse educators also play a crucial leadership role, spearheading quality improvement initiatives and supporting professional development within their teams.
Characteristics of Effective Nurse Leaders
- 🧩 Core traits: emotional intelligence, communication skills, and adaptability.
- 🔎 Clinical expertise: Leadership requires a deep understanding of nursing practice to identify areas for improvement and implement meaningful change.
- 🙋♂️ Ethical leadership: Nurse leaders have a responsibility to promote equity, fairness, and inclusion.
Strategies to Cultivate Leadership in Nursing
- Formal leadership training: A formal class is a structured way to improve leadership skills and gain experience that can also be highlighted on your resume. Here’s one class from the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA).
- Webinars: Check out the Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN) for a variety of free webinars for members. The 2025 AAN conference will also be a hub for like-minds in nurse leadership.
- Mentorship opportunities: Become a mentor through a formal or informal process. Help new nurses get oriented on the unit, or consider joining a program such as the Alberta Health Services (AHS) nurse mentorship program.
- Lifelong learning: Pursuing additional education in the form of a master’s degree can open new career opportunities and can often be an experience in leadership practice.
- Workplace involvement: Most units have opportunities such as quality improvement councils or unit meetings. Join and bring your concerns to be addressed.
Leadership is not reserved for those in management positions—it is a fundamental part of nursing practice. Every nurse has the potential to lead by advocating for patients, addressing workplace challenges, and influencing healthcare improvements. Whether through formal leadership roles or small daily actions, nurses drive positive change in their profession and beyond.
By embracing leadership at every level, nurses strengthen the healthcare system, support their colleagues, and ultimately enhance patient care. The future of nursing depends on confident, empowered leaders—no matter where they stand in their careers.
Author
Erika Kana (RN).
Erika is located in Calgary, Alberta. For the past two years, she’s been specializing in emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing with her dog, and writing health content.
