Abstract

Self-leadership is a pivotal concept that enhances the capacity of healthcare professionals to engage in and promote interprofessional collaboration. Self-leadership involves the ability to self-motivate and manage one's actions through behaviour-focused strategies, constructive thought patterns, and natural reward strategies (Neck, et al 2020). Nurses fostering self-leadership, develop a heightened self-awareness that enables them to recognize when to seek support and collaborate with other healthcare professionals effectively. Nurses who exhibit strong self-leadership skills are more likely to engage in proactive communication and collaboration with their colleagues, utilizing interprofessional resources to improve patient outcomes (Matahela & van Rensburg 2023). This collaboration is crucial in complex care environments where teamwork and shared decision-making significantly impact the quality of care and patient safety (Dresser, et al 2023). By integrating self-leadership with interprofessional collaboration, healthcare professionals can create a supportive network that enhances patient care and fosters a resilient healthcare workforce (Jooste & Roux 2014).

This study explores the role of self-leadership among nurses in promoting interprofessional collaboration, particularly in managing patient deterioration.

This research employed a qualitative exploratory design using focus group discussions with nurses at a private hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.

The findings highlighted six themes namely responsibility and autonomy, compassion and care, support and collaboration, learning from experience, teamwork, and appreciation and recognition. These themes underline the interconnectedness of self-leadership and interprofessional collaboration in nursing practice.

Self-leadership enables nurses to take initiative, make informed decisions, and seek assistance when necessary, fostering a collaborative environment that improves patient outcomes. The study demonstrates that interprofessional collaboration, supported by self-leadership, creates a safety net for both nurses and patients. This collaborative approach not only facilitates timely interventions but also contributes to the professional development of nurses by enriching their skills and boosting their confidence.

Notes

References: Dresser, S, Teel, C & Peltzer, J. 2023. Frontline Nurses’ clinical judgment in recognizing, understanding, and responding to patient deterioration: A qualitative study. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 139:104436. doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104436.

Jooste, K & Roux, L. 2014. The practice of self-leadership in personal and professional development of contract nursing staff in the environment of a higher education institution : leadership and management. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance. 20:275–285.

Matahela, VE & van Rensburg, GH. 2023. Self-leadership through self-reflection: guiding nursing faculty in taking ownership of their teaching practices in nursing education institutions. Reflective Practice. 24(5):629–643. doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2023.2222075.

Neck, C, Manz, C & Houghton, J, 2020,. 2020. Self-Leadership: The definitive guide to personal excellence. Los Angeles CA: Sage.

Description

This presentation explores how self-leadership empowers nurses to enhance interprofessional collaboration, especially in patient care. By fostering self-awareness and proactive communication, self-leadership allows nurses to improve patient outcomes through effective teamwork and timely interventions, enhancing their skills and confidence.

Author Details

Carine Prinsloo, PhD

Sigma Membership

Xi Chi

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Acute care, Workforce, Mentoring, Coaching

Conference Name

Creating Healthy Work Environments

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Self-Leadership Boosts Collaboration and Patient Outcomes

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Self-leadership is a pivotal concept that enhances the capacity of healthcare professionals to engage in and promote interprofessional collaboration. Self-leadership involves the ability to self-motivate and manage one's actions through behaviour-focused strategies, constructive thought patterns, and natural reward strategies (Neck, et al 2020). Nurses fostering self-leadership, develop a heightened self-awareness that enables them to recognize when to seek support and collaborate with other healthcare professionals effectively. Nurses who exhibit strong self-leadership skills are more likely to engage in proactive communication and collaboration with their colleagues, utilizing interprofessional resources to improve patient outcomes (Matahela & van Rensburg 2023). This collaboration is crucial in complex care environments where teamwork and shared decision-making significantly impact the quality of care and patient safety (Dresser, et al 2023). By integrating self-leadership with interprofessional collaboration, healthcare professionals can create a supportive network that enhances patient care and fosters a resilient healthcare workforce (Jooste & Roux 2014).

This study explores the role of self-leadership among nurses in promoting interprofessional collaboration, particularly in managing patient deterioration.

This research employed a qualitative exploratory design using focus group discussions with nurses at a private hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.

The findings highlighted six themes namely responsibility and autonomy, compassion and care, support and collaboration, learning from experience, teamwork, and appreciation and recognition. These themes underline the interconnectedness of self-leadership and interprofessional collaboration in nursing practice.

Self-leadership enables nurses to take initiative, make informed decisions, and seek assistance when necessary, fostering a collaborative environment that improves patient outcomes. The study demonstrates that interprofessional collaboration, supported by self-leadership, creates a safety net for both nurses and patients. This collaborative approach not only facilitates timely interventions but also contributes to the professional development of nurses by enriching their skills and boosting their confidence.