Nursing leadership succession planning: paths for elaboration

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Leadership
• Organizational Development

Background:

• Effective nursing leadership succession planning is crucial for hospital stability and quality patient care.
• Hospitals require robust strategies to ensure a continuous pipeline of qualified nursing leaders.
• Appreciative Inquiry offers a positive framework for organizational change and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a nursing leadership succession plan.
• To utilize appreciative reflection from nurses in the plan's construction.
• To enhance leadership development actions within a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive exploratory study employing a qualitative approach.
• Data collected through individual interviews and group mediations.
• Utilized the 4D Cycle and principles of Appreciative Inquiry for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified a highly qualified, multi-generational nursing team.
• Demonstrated a strong concern for succession planning grounded in scientific evidence.
• Highlighted the importance of involving teams and catering to nurses at various career stages.

Conclusions:

• Appreciative Inquiry principles facilitated the creation of a succession plan.
• The plan enhances leadership development through intergenerational collaboration and participatory management.
• This approach can significantly influence institutional policy and inform succession planning in diverse healthcare contexts.