Exploring Nursing Leadership for Practice Change: A Focused Interview Study

This study explores the pivotal role of nursing leadership in driving practice changes within geriatric and community nursing.Three key themes emerged through focused interviews with two clinical nurse leaders: transformational leadership in a geriatric ward, servant leadership in community nursing, and the future of nursing leadership.Nurse A's transformational leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated innovation, motivation, and resilience in overcoming challenges, including team resistance to change.She exemplified how transformational leadership can align efforts with organizational goals by fostering open communication and inspiring team members.Nurse B's servant leadership emphasized empathy, active listening, and team empowerment, focusing on enhancing staff well-being and morale.Her leadership approach highlighted the value of creating an inclusive and supportive work environment to promote collaboration and drive positive change.The findings underscore the importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and inclusivity in overcoming resistance, fostering team cohesion, and implementing effective practice changes.Although the study is limited by its small sample size, it offers valuable insights into the practical application of leadership styles across diverse healthcare settings.Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership strategies to address evolving challenges, such as technological advancements and interdisciplinary collaboration.This study contributes to the discourse on nursing leadership by demonstrating how innovative and empathetic approaches can address the complexities of modern healthcare and support sustainable practice improvements.