Carol Huston’s article “Preparing Nurse Leaders for 2020” was published in the Journal of Nursing Management in 2008. Read the article’s abstract below. Abstract Aim: This article highlights eight leadership competencies likely to be an essential part of the nurse leader’s repertoire in 2020. Background: Planning for the future is difficult, even when environments are relatively static. When environments are dynamic, the challenges multiply exponentially. Unfortunately, few environments have been more unpredictable in the 21st century than healthcare. The healthcare system is in chaos, as is much of the business world. It is critical then that contemporary nursing and healthcare leaders identify skill sets that will be needed by nurse leaders in 2020 and begin now to create the educational models and management development programs necessary to assure these skills are present. Leadership Opportunities for Effective Nurse Leaders Leadership Opportunities for Effective Nurse Leaders

Leadership Opportunities for Effective Nurse Leaders

Current Leadership Skills

An effective nurse leader can be defined as a leader who inspires followers toward achieving one goal. The qualities that define effective leadership include courage, integrity, the ability to handle challenging situations, and the ability to take the initiative. Currently, the essential nurse leader competencies include critical thinking and decision-making, emotional intelligence, integrity, good communication and listening skills, professionalism, respect, mentorship, and professional socialization (Major, 20019). In comparison with the competencies outlined by Houston (2008), the current needs fully align with those that were identified, except for a few skills that should be added. For instance, the world is now shifting to transformational leadership, and therefore nurse leaders should not only be ordering or giving instructions to their followers but also motivate and challenge followers or employees to be responsible for their roles and work beyond what is expected of them. Therefore, there is a need for nurse leaders to implement transformational leadership. Secondly is the act of emotional intelligence and mentorship. Leaders should be aware of their emotions and how they react to certain challenges to prepare them to overcome difficult situations without being unprofessional. In addition, the nurse leader should act as an example to fellow nurses through role modeling. Our assignment writing help is at affordable prices to students of all academic levels and academic disciplines.