title: Longitudinal charge nurse leadership development and evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study's aim was to examine longitudinal outcomes of a leadership program for permanent and relief charge nurse from 1996 to 2012 using action research and Kouzes and Posner's The Leadership Challenge conceptual frameworks.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Charge nurses hold significant oversight of patient safety, quality, and team functioning. This study contributes knowledge regarding charge nurse leadership and organization outcomes associated with these essential roles over time.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected over 6 time periods using Kouzes and Posner's The Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) and internally developed action research tools. Surveys were aligned with leadership and work environment changes to examine outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Charge nurse leadership LPI mean ratings improved. Relief charge nurses reached similar LPI outcomes by 2012, with no statistical differences in mean or domain scores. Action research methods facilitated executive decision making during change processes. Demographics shifted with younger charge nurses with less practice experience serving as charge nurses in the most recent years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Charge nurse leadership reported significant gains despite institutional changes and uneven delivery of educational interventions.
authors: University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Mary.Krugman@uch.edu
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Krugman
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Heggem
authors: Lisa Judd
authors: LJ
authors: Kinney
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Frueh
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D017146:Models, Organizational; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires