Effective nurse leadership in times of crisis

Why you should read this article: To learn about the leadership strategies that can be effective during times of crisis To understand when different styles of leadership are appropriate in certain situations To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has meant that nurse leaders need to respond rapidly and decisively to the demands and challenges of a pandemic in a context of increased staff shortages and limited resources. This article suggests essential leadership skills and characteristics that nurses can use to underpin effective leadership in a crisis, emphasising the importance of decision-making and emotional intelligence. It also addresses two important questions: ‘what do leaders in a crisis need to do that differs from any other time?’ and ‘what does effective leadership look like in a crisis?