Care staff’s experiences of registered nurses’ leadership close to older adults in municipal home healthcare: an interview study

Abstract Background Globally, there is a shift in the population distribution towards older ages. The trend is towards older adults receiving care and support at home; therefore, the need for home healthcare is expected to increase. Registered nurses lead the nursing care close to older adults in municipal home healthcare. Research indicates that registered nurses face challenges in leading care staff working close to older adults. However, less is known about care staff’s experiences of registered nurses’ leadership, which could contribute to new knowledge about registered nurses’ leadership. Therefore, this study aimed to explore care staff’s experiences of registered nurses’ leadership close to older adults in municipal home healthcare. Methods A qualitative and explorative design with an inductive approach was used. Individual interviews were conducted with care staff ( n = 15). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Care staff’s experiences of registered nurses’ leadership close to older adults in home healthcare were shown through three themes: Registered nurses’ leadership affect care staff’s sense of security; Registered nurses’ leadership affect care staff’s sense of being included; and Registered nurses’ closeness as leaders affects the establishment of relationships. Conclusions Registered nurses’ leadership close to older adults in home healthcare can impact care staff’s sense of security and inclusion. Registered nurses’ closeness as leaders affects the establishment of relationships. The results of this study are relevant for registered nurses both in clinical practice and in nursing education to promote registered nurses to be nursing leaders. There is a need for the organizations to promote registered nurses’ opportunities to establish relationships with older adults and care staff to ensure quality, safe home healthcare.