title: An empowerment framework for nursing leadership development: supporting evidence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article is a report on a descriptive study of nurse leaders' perspectives of the outcomes of a formal leadership programme.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Effective nurse leaders are necessary to address complex issues associated with healthcare systems reforms. Little is known about the types of leadership development programmes that most effectively prepare nurse leaders for healthcare challenges. When nurse leaders use structural and psychological empowerment strategies, the results are safer work environments and better nurse outcomes. The leadership development programme associated with this study is based on a unifying theoretical empowerment framework to empower nurse leaders and enable them to empower others.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty seven front-line and mid-level nurse leaders with variable years of experience were interviewed for 1 year after participating in a formal leadership development programme. Data were gathered in 2008-2009 from four programme cohorts. Four researchers independently developed code categories and themes using qualitative content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evidence of leadership development programme empowerment included nurse leader reports of increased self-confidence with respect to carrying out their roles and responsibilities; positive changes in their leadership styles; and perceptions of staff recognition of positive stylistic changes. Regardless of years of experience, mid-level leaders had a broader appreciation of practice environment issues than front-line leaders. Time for reflection was valuable to all participants, and front-line leaders, in particular, appreciated the time to discuss nurse-specific issues with their colleagues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides evidence that a theoretical empowerment framework and strategies can empower nurse leaders, potentially resulting in staff empowerment.
authors: University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. maura.macphee@nursing.ubc.ca
authors: Maura
authors: M
authors: Macphee
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: Skelton-Green
authors: France
authors: F
authors: Bouthillette
authors: Nitya
authors: N
authors: Suryaprakash
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods