Nursing Workforce of the Future

The aging of the nursing workforce has contributed to the number of vacant leadership positions in perioperative services across the nation. Effective leaders, who create positive supportive environments, have been associated with increased job satisfaction, increased productivity, and organizational commitment among staff nurses. The retention of qualified nurses requires effective leadership. Effective leadership does not evolve from expert clinical skills, but from a separate and distinct set of skills that focuses on leading and managing. To sustain newly learned leadership skills, a method of systematic reinforcement, follow-up, and support for new skills must be implemented. Coaching is recognized as a highly effective method of supporting the implementation of such newly acquired skill sets.