The impact of COVID-19 on nurse leadership characteristics

Background: Nurse leaders are vital for improving nursing efficiencies and the quality of care that they provide during a crisis and its aftermath. The value of positive leadership characteristics has never been more critical than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Functioning in a crisis mode required nurse leaders to demonstrate the necessary skills for clear communication and solid leadership. Therefore, nursing leadership, especially in emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, needs to be transformative in the sense that leaders are informational, motivating, and able to advance the organization, notwithstanding a global pandemic. Timely leadership research during and after COVID-19 is crucial for filling the literature gap resulting from the unique changes in the nursing profession in the post-pandemic period. Objective: This study aimed to investigate leadership characteristics shown by nurse leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate nurses’ perceptions of nurse leader effectiveness based on leaders’ work roles. Methods: An exploratory, quantitative study was conducted 18 months after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic (June-August 2021). The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ 5X) was sent to registered nurses (RNs) in Texas using the State Board’s listing of active RNs. In total, 70 practicing RNs participated in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate correlational analysis. Results: Perceived leadership characteristics remained primarily transformational. Nurse directors and executives reported positive leadership characteristics more frequently than did staff and charge nurses. Linking Evidence to Action: Specific tactics and strategies must be adopted to support nurses and nursing leadership during ongoing healthcare challenges. Close monitoring of leadership characteristics will enable organizations to support and provide educational opportunities for ongoing organizational success