SELF-ASSESSMENT ON LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF NURSING SERVICE MANAGERS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Currently, a major reform of the nursing service is being implemented in the Republic of Kazakhstan. One of its main responsibilities, aligned with international trends, involved the development of leadership skills among nursing service managers. As the nurse managers' role in reforming the field of nursing is crucial, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the leadership qualities among nurse managers in the Republic of Kazakhstan. An online survey was conducted using a self-assessment standardized questionnaire for measuring leadership abilities of nursing service managers. Results indicated that 33.8% of participants demonstrated inherent leadership qualities, while 48.5% of nurses revealed the potential to develop these attributes. Moreover, 7.4% of the respondents were currently identified as non-leaders, while the need to cultivate their leadership competencies was apparent. Similarly, 2.9% of the participants appeared to require mentorship and rigorous effort to enhance their leadership qualities, while 7.4% were unlikely to succeed as leaders due to inherent personal traits. Effective nursing leadership is an essential component of quality improvement and reform. Healthcare organizations in the Republic of Kazakhstan appear to have proficient nurse managers and leaders able to interact effectively in their field. Mentorship and organisational support are essential for further cultivating appropriate leadership qualities for nurse managers in times of services' reform.