Assessment of Leadership Competency among Nurse Leaders – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Nurse leader plays a pivotal role in healthcare, yet their ability to show their competency influences their professional development and overall management. This study explores the leadership Competency among nursing leader in Bangladesh. To assess the leadership competency of nursing leaders in Bangladesh and examine its impact on healthcare delivery and outcomes. Data were collected from nursing leader in EMCH, CRP, Manikgonj Sadar Hospital, using a structured questionnaire, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions, and factors influencing leadership competency among nursing leaders in Bangladesh, using descriptive statistics to identify trends and patterns. The study revealed that 49% of nursing leaders were aged 20 years or more, 75% were female, and 65% belonged to nuclear families, indicating a trend toward modern family structures. Educational qualifications showed 40% held a B.Sc. in Nursing and 35% had a Diploma in Nursing, reflecting a well-qualified nursing workforce. Leadership competency was perceived as average by 50% of participants nationally and as good by 35% at the hospital level, demonstrating mixed quality across settings. The majority (90%) acknowledged leadership competency as crucial for professional development in nursing. However, barriers such as insufficient training (30%) and lack of practical opportunities (25%) were identified. Factors influencing leadership competency included leadership training (75%), demographic characteristics (65%), and workplace environment (70%). Despite its significance, only 60% of participants had received formal leadership training, highlighting a critical gap. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between leadership competency and patient satisfaction (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation with staff retention (r = 0.55, p < 0.01). Effective leadership was found to enhance communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, resulting in better patient experiences and improved staff retention. The findings underscore the need to address training gaps and cultivate supportive work environments to strengthen leadership competency and improve healthcare outcomes in Bangladesh.