Learning Objective #1: clarify several specific PCHN identified attitudes, behaviors, or requirements that these nurses perceive as supportive in their practice environment.

Learning Objective #2: relate philosophical premises of servant leadership to the community management and practice environment.

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This paper identifies and describes leadership dynamics and issues uncovered in the course of an ethnographic research study. Nursing supervisors, coordinators and administrators were interviewed and also observed interacting with Psychiatric Community Health Nurses (PCHNs), within the context of a multidisciplinary community health agency. Evidence based qualitative findings document leadership dynamics and issues discovered in the community practice setting, with particular ramifications for community psychiatric nursing. To add perspective this data was analyzed in relation to principles inherent in servant leadership. This researcher employed the data collection methods of participant observation, interviews, and analysis of agency documents. Data was collected systematically, indexed, and analyzed concurrently. Emerging questions directed further data collection and analysis. Participants included nine PCHNs, as well as numerous nursing administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. They were observed, accompanied and interviewed in the care agency and on home visits over a period of one year. Findings focus on what attitudes, behaviors, and requirements nurses identified as supportive of their work and continued employment at the agency, and which ones were considered sources of frustration or discontent. Identification of leadership attitudes and behaviors that serve nurses within the context of this practice setting has implications for nurse satisfaction and staff retention. Additionally, incorporation of this understanding into leadership and management practices can support the nurse’s personal growth and sense of value as a part of a practicing community of nurses.