Transformational leadership practices of chief nursing officers in Magnet® organizations

This study describes the transformational leadership practices of Magnet® chief nursing officers (CNOs).

It is believed that transformational leadership practices influence quality and are integral to Magnet designation.

E-mail surveys of 384 Magnet CNOs were conducted in 2011 using the leadership practices inventory (LPI).

Enabling others to act and modeling the way are top practices of Magnet CNOs. Those 60 years or older and those with doctorate degrees scored significantly higher in inspiring a shared vision and challenging the process. There was a significant positive relationship between total years as a CNO and inspiring a shared vision and between total scores on the LPI and number of beds in the organization.

As CNOs gain experience and education, they exhibit more transformational leadership characteristics. Magnet organizations should take steps to retain CNOs and support their development and advancement.