Learning Objective #1: Compare the visions of nursing pioneers with those of nurse leaders of the 21st century

Learning Objective #2: Apply five timeless nursing leadership competencies to personal practice

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Examination of the writings of nursing pioneers such as Florence Nightingale, Dorthea Dix, Linda Richards, and Adelaide Nutting show a vision of nursing that is often considered outdated. As the 21st century approached, future thinkers in nursing and healthcare presented thoughts regarding the path of nursing. Although the healthcare environments differ greatly, comparison of the vision of nursing leaders in both across time reveals startling similarities.

Common ideals include evidence based care; innovative future thinking; accountability and responsibility; technical and financial savvy; and continuous life long learning. Evidence based care is essential to the validity of professional nursing care. Willingness to think beyond today and realize there are other methods to achieve similar outcomes are imperative to nurses who lead. Accountability and responsibility for practice is essential for leadership in nursing. With advances in technology and the financial crunch pervasive in healthcare today, continuous learning is critical. Finally, nurses throughout the years have succeeded when their thirst for knowledge and willingness to make change endure.

An appreciation for the history of nursing is important to understanding the profession today. From nurses who lead to improve the health of their clients to nurses who lead institutions to improve the environment for healthcare, determination to learn and apply principles that have endured the test of time will prove successful.