• Maura Macphee, Judith Skelton-Green, France Bouthillette, and Nitya Suryaprakash.
• University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. maura.macphee@nursing.ubc.ca
• J Adv Nurs. 2012 Jan 1;68(1):159-69.

AimThis article is a report on a descriptive study of nurse leaders' perspectives of the outcomes of a formal leadership programme.BackgroundEffective nurse leaders are necessary to address complex issues associated with healthcare systems reforms. Little is known about the types of leadership development programmes that most effectively prepare nurse leaders for healthcare challenges. When nurse leaders use structural and psychological empowerment strategies, the results are safer work environments and better nurse outcomes. The leadership development programme associated with this study is based on a unifying theoretical empowerment framework to empower nurse leaders and enable them to empower others.MethodsTwenty seven front-line and mid-level nurse leaders with variable years of experience were interviewed for 1 year after participating in a formal leadership development programme. Data were gathered in 2008-2009 from four programme cohorts. Four researchers independently developed code categories and themes using qualitative content analysis.ResultsEvidence of leadership development programme empowerment included nurse leader reports of increased self-confidence with respect to carrying out their roles and responsibilities; positive changes in their leadership styles; and perceptions of staff recognition of positive stylistic changes. Regardless of years of experience, mid-level leaders had a broader appreciation of practice environment issues than front-line leaders. Time for reflection was valuable to all participants, and front-line leaders, in particular, appreciated the time to discuss nurse-specific issues with their colleagues.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that a theoretical empowerment framework and strategies can empower nurse leaders, potentially resulting in staff empowerment.© 2011 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

28 keywords...

hide…