Qualities of the excellent head nurse

Very little research exists regarding qualities that characterize an excellent head nurse (HN). Sixteen nurses were asked to tell the researcher about an excellent HN that they had worked with at some point in their career. The excellent HNs could be characterized as having a humanistic management philosophy and being skilled at negotiating and conflict resolution. These leaders have excellent interpersonal skills and are powerful advocates for nurses and patients. They are viewed as highly credible, innovative and even tempered. Generally, these leaders were able to meet the needs of the nurses--be they clinical, professional, or personal.