Publication Date

Spring 2017

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Lori Rodriguez

Second Advisor

Susan Herman

Third Advisor

Patricia McFarland

Keywords

Nurse leaders, managers, front line

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to identify frontline nurse leaders' perception of their role, to have them assess their skills in relationship to that role and to identify knowledge needs and gaps that they face in fulfilling their role.

Design: This doctoral research explored the role of the frontline nurse leader. The research was a quantitative survey, non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional onetime study. The survey studied the self-assessment of the frontline nurse leader's role and their rating of noted complexities and challenges in their role.

Methods: A survey tool was developed using thirty statements. The statements covered the areas, or domains, managed in the role of front line nurse leaders. The survey used a Likert scale of 5-1 indicating strongly agrees to the statement to strongly disagree to the statement.

Findings: Thirty-five members of the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) took part in the survey. Of the eight domains in the research tool, the results had high scores in relationships with senior leaders, and the complexities of the role were highest in lateral violence, political behavior, and budget preparation.

Discussion: Frontline nurse leaders need supportive mentoring relationships with senior nurse leaders. They need training in managing lateral violence, recognizing political behavior and financial skills training.

COinS
 
 

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