Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Leadership and Effective Change Management in Health Care
Course Code
MDAK_354
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Nursing Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Agita Melbārde-Kelmere
Structure Unit Manager
Kristaps Circenis
Structural Unit
Department of Nursing and Obstetric Care
Contacts
Riga, 26a Anninmuizas boulevard, mdak@rsu.lv, +371 67061568
About Study Course
Objective
The course aims to raise awareness among nurses and midwives of leadership in healthcare by introducing modern leadership theories, styles, models and their practical applications. Students will develop the skills to analyse, understand and apply different patterns of care, as well as learn simulation techniques as an effective tool for learning and professional development. The course strengthens leadership and research competencies by fostering the ability to apply evidence-based approach, critical thinking and innovative solutions to healthcare leadership.
The course also develops the skills to manage and integrate diversity into the work environment, fosters a respectful culture of mutual relations and strengthens personal efficiency in the management and research work of health teams.
Preliminary Knowledge
General psychology, basics of social sciences, economics and organisational management, transcultural care.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.As a result of learning the study course, students will acquire knowledge of modern leadership and leadership theories, styles and models, their application to healthcare organisations and nurses. Students will understand the principles of decision-making, problem-solving and critical thinking required for effective professional activity and change management in healthcare.
Individual work and tests
Self-assessment tests by videolectures
2.Students will gain knowledge of the role of the nurse as a systemic thinker and results-oriented leader, as well as the organisational and legal aspects that define the professional autonomy, responsibility and management responsibilities of the nurse.
Individual work and tests
Sister role card
3.There will be an in-depth understanding of the principles of patient safety culture and quality management, the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation, health coaching and communication methods, as well as the role of goal setting and reflexive practice in professional development.
Individual work and tests
Leadership activities in professional and academic life
4.Students will also gain knowledge of the role of research in leadership and development of evidence-based practices, able to understand how scientific evidence and innovation contribute to professional development, quality development and effective change management in healthcare.
Individual work and tests
Leadership activities in professional and academic life
Skills
1.As a result of learning the study course, students will be able to plan, organise and manage change processes within the healthcare team using goal-setting, reflexive placement and coaching methods (SMART, GROW, etc.) for the purpose of professional development and improving the quality of patient care.
Individual work and tests
Development of a personal development plan
2.Students will be able to apply critical thinking and decision-making skills by analysing difficult situations and making evidence-based, ethically sound decisions in healthcare practices.
3.The study process will develop the skills to effectively plan and use working time and resources, organise teamwork, and promote a positive and results-oriented work culture.
Individual work and tests
Development of a personal development plan
4.Students will be able to work together on an interdisciplinary team, implementing principles of joint decision-making and patient-centred care. They will learn health coaching and professional communication skills that contribute to patient motivation, likability and team efficiency.
5.During the study course, students will also develop reflection and self-assessment skills, being able to identify their strengths, analyse professional development needs and develop a personal growth plan.
6.Students will be able to use research results, data and evidence in professional decision-making by developing innovative approaches and solutions to healthcare practices.
Competences
1.After completing the study course, the students will be able to evaluate employee motivation, analyse personnel management and psychological processes in an organisation, conduct effective change management, implement organisational strategy and develop individual personality. Students will be able to ensure the quality and development of nursing practice by continuous evaluation, maintenance and development of their knowledge and skills. Students will be able to create a positive working environment, which is focused on achievement and growth, and to build and maintain a representative choice of the profession by ensuring active and effective participation of each individual. The ability to manage resources for ensuring care work, as well as work as part of an interdisciplinary team will be developed. Students will develop the ability to understand, demonstrate and interpret concepts, thoughts, feelings, opinions, and to use information technologies confidently and critically (safely) both at work and in their leisure time. Students will be able to conduct research in leadership and to create innovation in the provision of care work.
Individual work and tests
Sister role card
2.Demonstrates understanding of a nurse’s professional autonomy, its role in healthcare, and linking to patient safety and quality of care. Analyses and compares various aspects of autonomy, including clinical decision-making, ethical responsibility, team collaboration and professional boundaries. Theoretical models and guiding principles shall be applied to justify the importance of autonomy in practice by integrating examples from experience or literature. Critical consideration shall be given to factors affecting the autonomy of the nurse, including organisational, legal, cultural and interprofessional aspects of cooperation. Reflects the ability to produce reasoned and logically structured text using professional language, academic writing style and a correct reference system. Shows attitudes towards professional responsibility and leadership, reflecting ethical and cultural sensitivity skills required in the role of modern sisterhood.
Individual work and tests
Sister role card • Development of a personal development plan • Leadership activities in professional and academic life
3.As a result of the study course, students will be able to integrate principles of leadership, research and change management into professional activities by providing quality, safe and patient-centred healthcare.
4.Students will be able to demonstrate professional autonomy and responsibility by leading the healthcare team, delegating tasks, evaluating work outcomes and promoting the professional development of colleagues
5.Students will be able to build and maintain a respectful, ethical and inclusive work environment that respects diversity and encourages collaboration between team members and patients.
6.Students will also be able to plan and implement their professional and academic development, creating new opportunities for education, research and professional activities in the field of Nursing and strengthening leadership capacity in the healthcare sector.
Individual work and tests
Leadership activities in professional and academic life
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Development of a personal development plan |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Type of test: Individual work (in a lesson and e-learning environment) related topic: Professional development of the nurse-leader: goal management, mentoring skills and the role of reflection in the process of change job description: Students are developing a personal development plan, formulating SMART goals to improve their leadership and professional autonomy. The work includes self-assessment, development direction-setting, resource analysis and a mentoring/coaching activity plan. The development of the work should follow the guidelines for the productive and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI/AI), ensuring personal data protection and academic integrity. Evaluation criteria:
rated competence and skills:
|
||
|
2.
Sister role card |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Type of test: Practice (lesson) Related topic: Organisational and planning principles for healthcare: professional autonomy and employment relationship implementation in sister practice job description: Students analyse the concept of professional autonomy and apply it to practical situations in the context of healthcare. A mapping of aspects of professional autonomy is carried out, linking it to patient safety, ethics and regulatory frameworks. The development of the work should follow the guidelines for the productive and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI/AI), ensuring personal data protection and academic integrity. Competences and skills to be assessed:
|
||
|
3.
Leadership activities in professional and academic life |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Type of test: Reflective summary/presentation Related topic: Assessment of a new nursing curriculum Description of work: Students provide information on the knowledge acquired during the course and their role in professional development, as well as make and formulate proposals for the creation or improvement of a new vocational training programme in the field of Nursing. The development of the work should follow the guidelines for the use of productive and ethical artificial Intelligence (AI/AI), ensuring personal data protection and academic integrity of the competences and skills to be assessed:
|
||
|
4.
Abstract for scientific copulation |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
5.
Performance criteria for nursing work |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Self-assessment tests by videolectures |
0.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Type of test: Test (e-learning environment) related lectures:
job description: Students answer theoretical and situation-based questions by examining understanding of the principles of leadership, leadership, decision-making and critical thinking in healthcare. Rating: Test (required to complete course) |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sister as 21st Century leader: critical thinking, decision making and problem solving in care practice
Description
The videotape introduces modern leadership and leadership approaches to healthcare, particularly highlighting their importance to the nursing profession. The traits of 21st-century leadership – the ability to make evidence-based decisions, solve complex problems and develop critical thinking in an interprofessional team – are analysed. The emphasis has been on reflective thinking, diversity management and a flexible, patient-centric management style in a dynamic healthcare environment. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Video
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nurse as a systemic thinker and results-driven innovator
Description
The videotape looks at the role of the nurse in the health system as a professional who is able to see the link between patient needs, the care process, teamwork, the organization’s resources and the outcomes to be achieved. Students are familiar with the principles of systemic thinking and their role in bringing about change in care practices. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
|
Video
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2
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Topics
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Sister leadership in Research and advocacy: an example of caring for people with intellectual Development disabilities
Description
The videotape, using a practical example of professional experience, analyzes the role of a nurse in research, advocacy and improving care for vulnerable patient groups. It looks at how research, vocational voice and interdisciplinary cooperation can contribute to fairer and more accessible care for people with intellectual development disabilities. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
|
Professional autonomy and leadership of the nurse in the organisation, planning and legal environment of healthcare
Description
In the lesson, students analyze the importance of the nurse’s professional autonomy in organizing health care and day-to-day care processes. Consideration is given to the organisational and planning principles of healthcare, the limits of professional responsibility, the legal framework of employment and the ability of nurses to exercise leadership in their professional environment. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Nurse as work environment and resource leader: timekeeping, staff recruitment and sustainable work organisation
Description
In the lesson, students analyze the importance of the nurse’s professional autonomy in organizing health care and day-to-day care processes. Consideration is given to the organisational and planning principles of healthcare, the limits of professional responsibility, the legal framework of employment and the ability of nurses to exercise leadership in their professional environment. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
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Nurse leader’s growth path: setting goals, mentoring, coaching and reflexive practices at the helm of change
Description
In the lesson, students learn the principles of professional development and leadership development. Targets, mentoring, coaching and reflexive practices are being looked at as tools to boost nursing professional development, self-management and the introduction of change. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nursing science, research and academic leadership
Description
In the lesson, students become acquainted with the development of nursing science, the importance of research in evidence-based practice and opportunities for academic leadership. The role of scientific publications, abstract conferences, development of research ideas and professional networking in the development of Nursing is considered. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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Off site
|
-
|
2
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Topics
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Nurse as leader of interdisciplinary cooperation
Description
The lesson looks at the role of a nurse in an interdisciplinary team, building a shared decision-making culture and implementing different patterns of care. Students analyze the benefits of teamwork, communication challenges and the importance of nurse leadership in providing patient-centred care. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
|
Topics
|
Quality control in building a culture of patient safety and assessing performance of work
Description
In the lesson, students acquaint themselves with the principles of quality control, patient safety culture and assessment of work performance in healthcare. A nurse’s role in building a safe care environment, using quality indicators, preventing errors and improving professional performance is being looked at. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
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2
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Topics
|
Sister as Health Kouch: Communication, motivation and patient’s active involvement in care
Description
The lesson focuses on the principles of professional development and self-development in the context of sisterly leadership. Students get to know the methods of goal-setting, mentoring and coaching (such as SMART and GROW), as well as the role reflexive practice plays in the leader’s development. It is analysed how these approaches contribute to change management, professional excellence and improving the quality of patient care. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Professional affiliation and career development in nursing practice
Description
The lesson looks at the role of professional affiliation, professional associations, further education and career management in the professional development of the nurse. Students analyse how participation in professional organisations, lifelong learning and active professional participation contribute to leadership and career development. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nursing and professional development pathway, creation of new education and professional opportunities
Description
In the lesson, students collect lessons learned from the course about their sister’s leadership, professional development, the introduction of change and the future of Nursing. New opportunities for education, research, careers and professional cooperation are being looked at, allowing nurses to actively shape the development of the profession. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Greta G. Cummings, Sarah Lee, Kaitlyn Tate, et.al. The essentials of nursing leadership: A systematic review of factors and educational interventions influencing nursing leadership. International Journal of Nursing Studies. Volume 115, 2021, 103842, ISSN 0020-7489, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103842.Suitable for English stream
2.
Danisha Jenkins, Candace Burton, Dave Holmes. 2021 (Re)defining nursing leadership: On the importance of parrhèsia and subversion. Journal of Nursing Management. Volume 30, Issue7. October 2022. Pages 2147-2153Suitable for English stream
3.
Suliman M., Almansi S., Mrayyan M., et.al. Effect of nurse managers’ leadership styles on predicted nurse turnover. Nursing Management, 2020Suitable for English stream
4.
Jacopo Fiorini, Francesco Zaghini, Alice Mannocci, Alessandro Sili. Nursing leadership in clinical practice, its efficacy and repercussion on nursing-sensitive outcomes: A cross-sectional multicentre protocol study. Journal of Nursing management. Volume30, Issue7. October 2022. Pages 3178-3188Suitable for English stream
5.
Rouhi-Balasi L, Elahi N, Ebadi A, Jahani S, Hazrati M. Professional Autonomy of Nurses: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis Study. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2020 Jun 17;25(4):273-281. doi: 10.4103/ijnmr.IJNMR_213_19. PMID: 33014737; PMCID: PMC7494166.Suitable for English stream
6.
Schippers M.C, Morisanio D., Locke E.A., et.al. Writing about personal goals and plans regardless of goal type boosts academic performance. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 60, 2020, 101823Suitable for English stream
7.
van Diggele C, Burgess A, Roberts C, Mellis C. Leadership in healthcare education. BMC Med Educ. 2020 Dec 3;20(Suppl 2):456. doi: 10.1186/s12909-020-02288-x. PMID: 33272264; PMCID: PMC7712520.Suitable for English stream
8.
Pishgooie AH, Atashzadeh-Shoorideh F, Falcó-Pegueroles A, Lotfi Z. Correlation between nursing managers' leadership styles and nurses' job stress and anticipated turnover. J Nurs Manag. 2019 Apr;27(3):527-534. doi: 10.1111/jonm.12707. Epub 2018 Nov 19. PMID: 30136322.Suitable for English stream
9.
Pursio K, Kankkunen P, Sanner-Stiehr E, Kvist T. Professional autonomy in nursing: An integrative review. J Nurs Manag. 2021 Sep;29(6):1565-1577. doi: 10.1111/jonm.13282. Epub 2021 Feb 26. PMID: 33548098.Suitable for English stream
10.
Farokhzadian J, Miri S, Doostkami M, Rezahosseini Z, Shahrbabaki PM. Promoting the psychosocial and communication aspects of nursing care quality using time management skills training. J Educ Health Promot. 2020 Dec 29;9:361. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_549_20. PMID: 33575397; PMCID: PMC7871930.Suitable for English stream
11.
Vizeshfar F, Rakhshan M, Shirazi F, Dokoohaki R. The effect of time management education on critical care nurses' prioritization: a randomized clinical trial. Acute Crit Care. 2022 May;37(2):202-208. doi: 10.4266/acc.2021.01123. Epub 2022 Apr 28. PMID: 35545237; PMCID: PMC9184972.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Grubaugh M.L., Flynn L. Relationships Among Nurse Manager Leadership Skills, Conflict Management, and Unit Teamwork. Journal of Nursing Administration. 58(7)383-88., 2018Suitable for English stream
2.
Weaver, S., Lindgren, T.G., Cadmus, E., Flynn, E., Thomas-Hawkins, C. Report From the Night Shift: How Administrative Supervisors Achieve Nurse and Patient Safety. NUrsing Administration Quarterly.41(4):328-36., 2017Suitable for English stream
3.
Palweni VS, Malesela JM, Randa MB. Nurse managers' leadership styles as an impetus to patient safety in an academic hospital. Health SA. 2023 Oct 25;28:2344. doi: 10.4102/hsag.v28i0.2344. PMID: 37927940; PMCID: PMC10623474.Suitable for English stream
4.
Scott A, Timmons S. Tensions within management roles in healthcare organisations. Nurs Manag (Harrow). 2017 Mar 30;24(1):31-37. doi: 10.7748/nm.2017.e1569. PMID: 28357933.Suitable for English stream
5.
Labrague LJ, Nwafor CE, Tsaras K. Influence of toxic and transformational leadership practices on nurses' job satisfaction, job stress, absenteeism and turnover intention: A cross-sectional study. J Nurs Manag. 2020 Jul;28(5):1104-1113. doi: 10.1111/jonm.13053. Epub 2020 Jun 16. PMID: 32453901.
6.
Zaghini F, Fiorini J, Piredda M, Fida R, Sili A. The relationship between nurse managers' leadership style and patients' perception of the quality of the care provided by nurses: Cross sectional survey. Int J Nurs Stud. 2020 Jan;101:103446. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103446. Epub 2019 Oct 7. PMID: 31670220.Suitable for English stream
7.
Poškutė M, Bartkienė A, Fatkulina N, Gefenas E. The contribution of professional autonomy in advancing ethical behaviour: A narrative review of studies in nursing. J Nurs Manag. 2022 Oct;30(7):2301-2307. doi: 10.1111/jonm.13842. Epub 2022 Oct 17. PMID: 36192841.Suitable for English stream
8.
Reinhard U.S, Kunzc E., Rolfb P. Effects of proactive decision making on life satisfaction. European Journal of Operational Research. 280 (3), 2020, 1171-1187Suitable for English stream
9.
González-García A, Pinto-Carral A, Marqués-Sánchez P, Quiroga-Sánchez E, Bermejo-Martínez D, Pérez-González S. Characteristics of Nurse Managers' Conflict Management Competency. A Systematic Review. J Adv Nurs. 2025 Apr;81(4):1717-1733. doi: 10.1111/jan.16600. Epub 2024 Nov 29. PMID: 39611216; PMCID: PMC11896825.Suitable for English stream
10.
Mutlu H, Baykara Mat ST. Accreditation through the eyes of nurse managers: an infinite staircase or a phenomenon that evaporates like water. J Health Organ Manag. 2025 Jun 30. doi: 10.1108/JHOM-01-2025-0029. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40574247.Suitable for English stream
11.
Raso R, Bowers D, Masick K, Fitzpatrick JJ. Two Relational Leadership Styles as Predictors of Healthy Work Environments. J Nurs Adm. 2025 Apr 1;55(4):192-198. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001559. PMID: 40146722.Suitable for English stream
Other Information Sources
1.
Society Human Resource Management. Developing and Sustaining High-Performance Work Teams. 2018Suitable for English stream
2.
Perlo J., Balik B., Swensen S., et.al. IHI Framework for Improving Joy in Work. IHI White Paper. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Institute for Healthcare Improvement. 2017Suitable for English stream
3.
Sherman, R.O. Leadership Resiliency. American Nurse Today. 2018, 13 (9), 26-8.Suitable for English stream
4.
Seligman, M.E.P. The Hope Circuit: A Psychologist’s Journey from Helplessness to Optimism. New Yourk: Hatchett. 2017Suitable for English stream
5.
Hurst, D.J. Mitigating moral distress in nursing. 2017Suitable for English stream
6.
Kovejs S.R. Ļoti veiksmīgu cilvēku 7 paradumi. Rīga, Zvaigzne ABC, 2018
7.
Hurst, D.J. Mitigating moral distress in nursing. 2017Suitable for English stream
8.
Safety Strategies Every Nurse Leader Needs to KnowSuitable for English stream
9.
Ramalingam B., Nabarro D., Oqubuy A., CarnallD.R., Wild L. 5 Principles to Guide Adaptive Leadership. 2020Suitable for English stream
10.
Sherman R.O., Cohn, T.M. Why your nursing networks matter. American Nurse, 2018, 1-3Suitable for English stream
11.
Bernacki M.L., Greene J.A., Crompton H. Mobile technology, learning, and achievement: Advances in understanding and measuring the role of mobile technology in education Contemporary Educational Psychology, 101827, 2020Suitable for English stream
12.
Four Time Management Strategies For All LeadersSuitable for English stream
13.
Don’t Let Bad Time Management Undermine Your LeadershipSuitable for English stream
14.
Narrative Nursing Leadership “Story Telling” and Constructs of Authentic Nursing Leadership