Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
A Thematic Analysis of Self-described Authentic Leadership Behaviors Among Experienced Nurse Executives
Catherine Alexander1, Ruth Palan Lopez
1Author Affiliations: Fellow (Dr Alexander), VA National Quality Scholars Fellowship Program (VAQS), White River Junction, Vermont; Adjunct Professor MGH Institute of Health Professions; and Professor (Dr Lopez), MGH Institute of Health Profession, Boston, Massachusetts.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to understand the behaviors experienced nurse executives use to create healthy work environments (HWEs). The constructs of authentic leadership formed the conceptual framework for the study.
Background:
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recommends authentic leadership as the preferred style of leadership for creating and sustaining HWEs. Behaviors associated with authentic leadership in nursing are not well understood.
Methods:
A purposive sample of 17 experienced nurse executives were recruited from across the United States for this qualitative study. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the in-depth, semistructured interviews.
Results:
Four constructs of authentic leaders were supported and suggest unique applications of each including self-awareness (a private and professional self), balanced processing (open hearted), transparency (limiting exposure), and moral leadership (nursing compass).
Conclusions:
Authentic leadership may provide a sound foundation to support nursing leadership practices; however, its application to the discipline requires additional investigation.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Code of Ethics
Nursing Ethical Principles I
Autonomy
Autonomy underscores the significance of a patient's self-determination and freedom from external control. In healthcare, respecting...
Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
Professional Values
The values that are the foundation of the nursing profession are altruism, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.
First, altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well-being of others without personal...
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Ethical Standards I
The Code of Ethics provisions outline the nurse's duty to the patient, the healthcare team, the profession, and society. The Code's fundamental principles include advocacy,...