Implementing Transformational Leadership and Nurse Manager Support Through Coaching

The relationship between managerial coaching and role ambiguity among nurses in the military health system

Managerial coaching may be an effective strategy to reduce role ambiguity among nurses. Although the benefits of coaching relationships have been demonstrated outside of nursing, there is a lack of evidence about this career development relationship in nursing. A cross-sectional design was used to determine the relationship between managerial coaching and role ambiguity among military and civilian nurses who work in the Military Health System (MHS). Nurses who worked at a large academic medical center in San Antonio, Texas were asked to participate by completing a survey to examine the variables of interest. Among the 382 nurses that responded, perceived role ambiguity was low and managerial coaching was seldom perceived from first-line supervisors. However, there was a significant negative relationship between managerial coaching and role ambiguity. This study provides foundational knowledge about the relationship between managerial coaching and role ambiguity for nurses working in the MHS.

Developing emotional intelligence in student nurse leaders: a mixed methodology study

Objective:

The purpose of this mixed method, exploratory study was to measure the impact of a peer coaching program on the measured emotional intelligence (EI) of a group of student nurse leaders.

Methods

Participation in the study was offered to nurses in the Student Ambassador program. Students who consented received instruction on EI and its importance in leadership. Participants then took a preintervention EI test (The Mayer-Salovey-Caruso EI Test, version 2 [MSCEIT]) to obtain a baseline EI ability score. Students then participated in a series of peer coaching sessions across a semester. Participants then completed a postintervention MSCEIT test, and also a qualitative survey.

Results:

The analysis of the paired sample t-test showed that there was not a statistically significant difference in the total group EI scores from pre to posttest, t (8) = 0.036 >0.05; however, 80% of participants reported perceived changes in EI ability due to the intervention and 90% reported that peer coaching was beneficial to their leadership development.

Conclusions:

This study contributes to the body of EI literature and research on nursing education and leadership development.

The public health nursing work environment: review of the research literature

Public health nurses (PHNs) work to address critical health issues at the individual, family, and population levels. In recent years, a global nursing shortage has posed a significant challenge to the recruitment and retention of PHNs. Hospital-based research has shown that a healthy and productive work environment is vital to successful nursing recruitment and retention. Specific organizational characteristics have been linked to job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job vacancies, and turnover rates. Although it is presumed that similarities exist between the public health and acute care nursing work environments, further evaluation is required. This literature review was conducted to identify studies that characterize the PHN work environment. An online database search was conducted to identify prospective PHN studies published between 2000 and 2010. Definitions were established for screening purposes. Twenty-nine PHN studies in the United States and abroad met criteria for inclusion in this review. Satisfaction with teamwork and job autonomy generally was reported. However, inadequate PHN staffing was described as a concern, with problems magnified during prolonged response to public health emergencies. Insufficient control over PHN practice was reported as well. Perceptions regarding other work environment characteristics were mixed or were not measured in detail. More in-depth research is recommended with the ultimate goal of improving PHN recruitment and retention.