Original Article  Open Access
J Korean Acad Nurs. 2015 Oct;45(5):671-683. Korean.
Published online Oct 30, 2015.  https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2015.45.5.671
© 2015 Korean Society of Nursing Science
Leadership Experience of Clinical Nurses: Applying Focus Group Interviews
Byoung-Sook Lee,1 Yong-Sook Eo,2 and Mi-Aie Lee3
1College of Nursing, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
2Department of Nursing, Dong-eui University, Busan, Korea.
3Department of Nursing, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Eo, Yong-Sook. Department of Nursing, Dong-eui University, 176 Eomgwang-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47340, Korea. Tel: +82-51-890-1557, Fax: +82-0505-182-6876, Email: nursingeo@deu.ac.kr
Received March 02, 2015; Revised March 14, 2015; Accepted June 08, 2015.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NoDerivs License. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/) If the original work is properly cited and retained without any modification or reproduction, it can be used and re-distributed in any format and medium.


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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand and describe the leadership experience of clinical nurses.

Methods

During 2014, data were collected using focus group interviews. Three focus group interviews were held with a total of 20 clinical nurses participating. All interviews were recorded as they were spoken and transcribed and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Fifteen categories emerged from the five main themes. 1) Thoughts on the leadership category: to lead others, to cope with problem situations adequately and to serve as a shield against difficulties. 2) Situations requiring leadership: situation that requires correct judgement, coping and situations that need coordination and cooperation. 3-1) Leadership behaviors: other-oriented approach and self-oriented approach. 3-2) Leadership behavior consequences: relevant compensation and unfair termination. 4-1) Facilitators of leadership: confidence and passion for nursing and external support and resources. 4-2) Barriers to leadership: non-supportive organization culture and deficiency in own leadership competencies. 5) Strategies of leadership development: strengthen leadership through self-development and organizational leadership development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results indicate that it is necessary to enhance clinical nurses' leadership role in healthcare. Enhancement can be achieved through leadership programs focused on enlarging leadership experience, constant self-development, leadership training, and development of leadership competencies suited to the nursing environment.
Keywords:
Qualitative research; Focus groups; Leadership; Nurses

Tables


 Table 1
Leadership Described by Participants
Click for larger image

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