What characteristic should be included about effective nursing leadership?

Effective nursing leadership is characterized by the ability to advocate for the nursing unit and its staff, which is crucial for fostering a positive work environment and ensuring high-quality patient care. Advocacy in nursing leadership involves representing the needs, concerns, and rights of both the nursing team and patients. Leaders who advocate effectively create an atmosphere of support that encourages professional development, enhances team cohesion, and ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.

By prioritizing the needs of the unit and acting on behalf of the staff, a leader helps to address issues such as workload, staffing, resources, and professional growth opportunities. This advocacy ensures that the nursing team feels valued and supported, which can lead to improved job satisfaction and retention.

The other characteristics listed in the options do not promote effective leadership. Strong decision-making is important, but it should be informed by collaboration and input from the team, as this fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. Maintaining a strict hierarchical structure can stifle communication and creativity, while prioritizing personal goals over team goals undermines teamwork and collective success. Effective leaders understand that their role is to serve the team and the organization as a whole.