COMPARING LEADERSHIP CONCEPTIONS BETWEEN NURSES AND PHYSICIANS IN EMERGENCY CARE SETTINGS

Effective leadership in emergency care settings is critical for ensuring timely decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and optimal patient outcomes. This study aimed to compare nurses’ and physicians’ perceptions of leadership, preferred leadership styles, and the impact of experience and training on leadership effectiveness within emergency departments. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 400 healthcare professionals, evenly split between nurses and physicians, across multiple hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic variables, leadership styles, self- and peer-rated leadership effectiveness, decision-making authority, communication, and conflict resolution. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses. Results revealed significant differences between professions: physicians rated their leadership effectiveness and decision-making authority higher, whereas nurses favored transformational leadership styles and reported greater role ambiguity. Experience and prior leadership training were positively associated with leadership confidence, communication, and conflict management skills.