What type of leadership should a nurse possess to maintain the appropriate

number of staffs in a unit?

In my opinion, the type of leadership styles a nurse leader should possess in

order to maintain the appropriate number of nursing staffs in a unit are
democratic and transformational leadership styles. As a nurse leader we should
utilize a democratic leadership style in order to maintain the appropriate number
of nursing staffs in a unit, we should encourage feedback, involvement, and
communication from other nursing staffs for them actively participate in decision-making
of the team. We should communicate with other staffs whenever possible to know their
concerns if they want to request for a leave and for us to fill the vacancies if there is
any.

Democratic and transformational leadership styles, in my opinion, are the types of

leadership styles that a nurse leader should possess in order to maintain an appropriate
number of nursing staffs in a unit. As a nurse leader, we should use a democratic
leadership style to encourage feedback, involvement, and communication from other
nursing staffs so that they can actively participate in team decision-making to maintain
the appropriate number of nursing staffs in a unit. We should communicate with other
staff as much as possible in order to understand their concerns if they want to request a
leave and for us to fill any vacancies that may arise. Being a transformational leader is
also important because being a nurse leader necessitates visionary and critical thinking
skills. In case a nurse-to-patient ratio became higher, a nurse leader should step up to
the challenge of caring for more patients by taking an active role of finding a solution to
the problem, by making judgments based on critical thinking abilities to handle staffing
issues.

Being a transformational leader is also essential because as a nurse leader it requires

visionary and critical thinking. In case there is a higher nurse-to-patient ratio a nurse
leader should step up to the challenge of caring for more patients by being active in
finding a solution to the rising nurse-to-patient ratios by making decisions utilizing
critical thinking skills to solve staffing problems.

Being a transformational leader is also important because being a nurse leader

necessitates visionary and critical thinking skills. In case a nurse-to-patient ratio is
higher, a nurse leader should step up to the challenge of caring for more patients by
taking an active role in finding a solution to the problem by making judgments based
on critical thinking abilities to handle staffing issues.
Because being a nurse leader demands visionary and critical thinking, being a
transformative leader is also necessary. If the nurse-to-patient ratio is higher, a nurse
leader should step up to the challenge of caring for more patients by being assertive in
finding a solution to the rising nurse-to-patient ratios by making judgments based on
critical thinking abilities to handle staffing issues.

equires more than clinical skills, critical thinking, and strong communication. 

Democratic leaders are more inclined to inquire. They also communicate information
with staff that affects their work obligations whenever possible. Before reaching a final
choice, they also seek input from staff.

Democratic leader

A democratic leader encourages feedback, involvement, and communication from team

members. Their style is collaborative. They encourage personal and professional
growth and focus on team success. 

Strengths: Their style works well in improving quality and processes. This nursing
leadership style works well in quality assurance and performance improvement roles
and diversity and inclusion roles. 

Weaknesses: When a rapid response is needed in an emergency medical situation —

like when a patient codes — these leaders may find it difficult to make quick,
independent decisions. Democratic leaders need to be careful to maintain decision-
making authority.
Nurses who enjoy getting in-depth feedback, want to grow professionally, and actively
participate in decision-making and changes work well with democratic leaders. 

Transformational

Transformational nurse leaders are visionary. They build engaged teams and are
beneficial in facilities where significant changes are needed, such as
improving overall patient care. For example, a 2019 study of 17 hospitals in Pakistan
showed gains in employee satisfaction may reduce rates of patient care errors. A recent
Belgian study also demonstrated improvements in the safety performance of nurses due
to transformational leadership.

Strengths: Transformational leaders work well with new nurses, as they are great
at mentoring, instilling trust, building confidence, and encouraging teamwork while
encouraging nurses to act independently. They listen to ideas and concerns and are
usually highly respected leaders in an organization. Transformational leaders work well
when a hospital, clinic, or other facility needs improvement.

Weaknesses: While studies have shown that transformational leadership skills drive

high employee satisfaction and retention, it is less effective in facilities where the leader
is responsible for day-to-day decision making.

Transformational leadership is one component of the American Nurses Credentialing

Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Model. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA)
transformational leaders, “must lead people to where they need to be to meet the
demands of the future.”

1. Democratic - "How do you view it?" Democratic leaders

are more inclined to inquire. They also communicate
information with staff that affects their work obligations
whenever possible. Before reaching a final choice, they
also seek input from staff.

2. Democratic leaders share leadership. Important plans and decisions are made with
the team (Chrispeels, 2004). Although this is often a less efficient way to run things,
it is more flexible and usually increases motivation and creativity. Democratic
leadership is characterized by guidance from rather than control by the leader.
a. If I were to choose a leadership theory that I can apply in the nursing
setting, it would be the participative theory. Since caring for our clients
involves collaborative actions, it is essential that we should include our
colleagues, as well as the patients and their families, and other
healthcare providers in order to provide the quality care that our clients
deserve. As for the implementation, I can apply it in the situation where
the opinions of others are necessary. For example, a client will
undergo a particular procedure for a particular treatment, we will be
collaborating with the primary healthcare providers, and communicate
with the client and family members. The client and the family can also
communicate their options or choices regarding the treatment regimen
that they think is the best for the client. With this implementation, we
are making sure that participation of the involve individuals are
observed, thus, increasing the chance of success and delivery of
quality care.