NURSING LEADERSHIP: INSPIRING AND INFLUENCING CHANGE IN HEALTHCARE

Abstract

The nursing profession is at a critical crossroads. A perfect storm of factors has converged that requires nursing to step forward as leaders and directly influence how society responds to and manages healthcare complexities. Many external forces are shaping the future of nursing, as well as healthcare overall. These same forces are providing an impetus for global healthcare reconsideration and reform. During this time of uncertainty, questions must be asked regarding the very role of nursing and the profession’s involvement in shaping the future. As the largest component of the healthcare workforce, nurses have a profound collective voice that must be heard and considered. Contemporary nursing leadership is challenged to move beyond the status quo. Transformational leadership is needed that embraces innovation and creativity in conceptualizing how nursing and patient care will exist in the future (J Mette, 2015). Collectively, throughout history, professions have taken a stand during times of great change, actively shaping their individual destinies. Professions have a strong vested interest in controlling and shaping their future rather than simply reacting to change. With a collective voice, professions have the ability to shape societal perceptions and understanding of their role and value. It is through this collective voice that the profession of nursing can impact the future of healthcare (Sanocki, 2017). As the future of health services is envisioned, a profound question must be asked: what will nursing’s role be in this newly conceived future?