What does it take to make a good nursing leader?

[ERN]

As I looked through various topics and countless threads, one concern that many of us voice is how that "Old Demon" management treats us. I have been a staff RN, charge RN, manager, and project leader and was exposed to some of the best and worst in leadership. A wonderful person once told me that, "You can manage livestock, but you have to lead people." She told me this at a time when I was in sore need of improving my talents as a leader. I feel that nursing desparately needs a singular figure, someone to unite and focus the power that nurses possess but let others use at will many times to the detriment of nursing.

What are the attributes of a really good nurse leader?? One that can give us direction and a vision to lead us into the future of nursing? :)

[ERN]

I quess I have been looking for the answers to these questions for the last 20 yrs. I appreciate your thoughts, thanks. I am on the verge of leaving nursing eventhough I like what I do as a nurse. At the risk of being redundant, I am very tired of all the BS and politics to which we are all exposed. My patience is thinner than it used to be..... :rotfl: If only I could say that about my waistline:bluecry1: The healthcare industry is in a period of profound change and I see past nursing successes in areas like anesthesia, senatorial and congressional politics, and generally increased economic power and wonder why are we slaves to the same freakin mistakes.

Enjoy your Sunday Thanks for the thoughtful discourse.

Ron

[baseline]

ERN.....I hear you. I'm pretty tired myself these days....

[sjoe]

A very good example of true leadership, as well as effective management skills, is very well presented by Bob Woodward in his new book "Bush at War."

[Disclaimer: I have not voted for a Republican presidential candidate for over 35 years, so have no political bone to pick about this book or its subject. Leadership and management skills are independent of particular partisan values.]