Nursing followership: a concept analysis

The researcher aims to analyse the concept of nursing followership to identify its defining attributes, antecedents and consequences, as well as to explore its relevance and impact on clinical settings.

This concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant's (2005) analysis framework. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and PsycINFO databases searches were carried out from 1980 to 2025. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines were used.

Effective followership is defined as a role wherein nurses are actively engaged in care processes, capable of having advanced critical thinking and decision-making skills and proficiently communicative with their colleagues and team leaders alike for the purposes of eventually facilitating the achievement of the team goals and objectives. Nursing followership key attributes are active engagement, independent critical thinking, effective communication, adaptability and commitment to shared goals. The organisational culture, leadership styles, role clarity, recognition and reward systems, communication channels and training and development opportunities are the antecedents of nursing followership. The consequences of nursing followership include improved team dynamics, increased job satisfaction and enhanced patient care and professional development. These consequences also extend to strengthening organisational commitment and resilience in the nursing workforce.

Nursing followership plays a crucial role in promoting teamwork, professional empowerment and achieving better patient care outcomes. It is therefore essential to incorporate followership into nursing education and practice, and to implement strategies that eventually support the development of effective followership competencies on behalf of nurses.