Lack of recruitment and retention of competent nurse leaders has become a serious problem confronting South Floridas hospital industry. Many nursing leadership positions are available in our community, however these positions are difficult to fill due to the lack of qualified candidates. Many organizations have difficulty recruiting and retaining nurse leaders. Our nursing education programs at both community college and university levels need nursing educators. Community health programs need nursing case managers, advanced practice nurses and public health nurses. Hospitals need charge nurses, nurse managers, product line directors, and nurse executives, and in turn, nurses need leadership skills to function in their increasingly complex roles.
One of the main issues is that many nurses do not see leadership roles and competencies as desirable. That is why now, more than ever, it has become the responsibility of all nurse leaders to mentor future nurses. Nursing leaders in all educational roles need to help nurses understand the importance of their own development. This is vital to the survival of the nursing profession. These nurses have the biggest impact on the profession and therefore the quality of care in South Florida.
Furthermore, the nurse leaders of today need to be skilled in many competencies that are not traditionally associated with nursing, as they face a more challenging healthcare environment. Todays successful nursing leader must have competencies in fiscal responsibility, business development, governmental regulations, and communications. Beside these skills, nurse leaders must understand and hold important the philosophies of nursing as caring. It is critical for nurse executives and nursing leaders to excite and educate others in the field about leadership roles and the impact they can have on the community. One of our current nursing goals must focus on teaching nurses the value of nursing leadership roles. The end results will benefit both the individual nurse and our community.
In these difficult economic times, it is important for healthcare organizations to keep long-term development of nursing leaders as a priority. In an effort to contain costs, organizations are tempted to cut educational benefits. However, this practice is short sighted and in the long term will only result in fewer nurses to fill these vital roles. All nurse leaders must advocate for additional educational support, provide mentorship and development for nurses, be role models for new nurses, and assist them in the assessment of the skills needed for the future.
The development of future nurse leaders can be achieved through partnerships with healthcare organizations, as well as educational, community and governmental institutions. Collaboration with community organizations will assist in development of future leaders. The nurse, the patients and the people of South Florida will all benefit from the enhanced quality of care and improved patient outcomes.
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