Native American nurse leadership.
OBJECTIVE
To identify which characteristics, wisdom, and skills are essential in becoming an effective Native American nurse leader. This will lead to the development of a curriculum suitable for Native American nurses.


METHODS
A qualitative, descriptive design was used for this study. Focus groups were conducted in Polson, Montana. A total of 67 Native and non-Native nurses participated. Sixty-seven percent of them were members of Indian tribes. Data were content analyzed using Spradley's ethnographic methodology.


RESULTS
Three domains of analysis emerged: point of reference for the leader (individual, family, community), what a leader is (self-actualized, wise, experienced, political, bicultural, recognized, quiet presence, humble, spiritual, and visionary), and what a leader does (mentors, role models, communicates, listens, demonstrates values, mobilizes, and inspires).


CONCLUSIONS
Native nurse leaders lead differently. Thus, a leadership curriculum suitable for Native nurses may lead to increased work productivity and therefore improved patient care for Native Americans.
Nichols
Lee A
LA
University of Tulsa, Department of Nursing, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel / Q000208:ethnology*; D003142:Communication; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009009:Montana; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016746:Transcultural Nursing / Q000193:education