Resonant Leadership in Army Nursing: A Concept Analysis

Leadership development is of the utmost importance as the Army Medical Department prepares for future conflicts. All Army Medical Department leaders, including nurses, need to be prepared to lead in a high-tempo, complex environment. Nurse leader effectiveness is paramount to military readiness as well as for recruitment and retention within the Army Nurse Corps (ANC). Both Army talent management and Defense Health Agency documents recognize the importance of Emotional Intelligence principles for successful leadership. Resonant Leadership (RL) is informed by Emotional Intelligence principles and is well-studied within nursing literature. Additionally, the body of evidence examining RL demonstrates a positive impact on the nurse work environment. The purpose of this concept analysis is to define RL within the context of Army nursing, to clarify how this concept relates to Army leadership doctrine, and to propose innovative application(s) of RL within the ANC.

Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method was used to define the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of RL. The concept elements were then cross-referenced with published Army leadership doctrine, applying RL to the context of Army nursing.

The outcome of this analysis defines RL as a way of being, with attributes including strong, trusting relationships, the leader being in tune with followers, and mutual optimism. Antecedents of RL in Army nursing center on individual leader behavior and include emotional intelligence, technical/management skills and intellect, and acting on follower worries/concerns. Consequences of RL for Army nursing impact followers/staff and include improved job satisfaction, empowerment, and decreased burnout/emotional exhaustion.

The defining characteristics of RL complement the competencies and attributes outlined in Army leadership doctrine. Additionally, the outcomes of RL positively influence the nursing work environment. There has been extensive research on the effect of RL within the civilian nursing workforce. However, to date, no studies have researched RL Army nursing. Leaders within the ANC can apply this analysis to their own leadership practice and integrate RL into leadership development education. Policy decisions within the ANC should promote RL to support positive nursing workforce outcomes including improved satisfaction and retention.

Resonant Leadership bridges the gap between frontline nursing leadership development, the Army leadership model, and the DHA's Joint Professional Practice Model for nurses. By focusing on developing resonance, Army nurse leaders can simultaneously demonstrate many of the attributes and competencies the Army describes within its leadership doctrine. Although further research is needed to determine the prevalence of RL within Army nursing, RL has applicability to practice and military education. RL is one tool at the disposal of ANC senior to leaders to promote healthy work environments while preparing competent leaders for the complexities of future combat operations.