Design/Methodology: This study was exploratory and used a descriptive research design. Data collected from the participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi Square analysis.

Findings: The long-term care nursing administrators used a primary leadership style of selling (coaching) that is a task behavior relationship with followers that are at a lower level of readiness. The educational preparation of 71% of the nursing administrators was less than a baccalaureate degree.

Conclusions: Leadership style is a behavior that communicates influence and motivates followers to complete a task or meet a goal. Positive leadership behavior sways cooperation and results in self-satisfaction and promotes empowerment for followers. Nursing administrators in long-term care facilities are in crisis for the lack of knowledge in implementing the leadership role.

Implications: The findings from this study indicates that there is a strong need for Schools and Colleges of Nursing to develop leadership certificate programs for the registered nursing administrators in long-term care facilities. The leadership knowledge gained from a leadership certificate program would increase the organization of the administrative role and defining responsibilities in complex situations. The nursing administrators would learn through use of diverse leadership styles to retain and empower employees, manage state and federal regulations, obtain reimbursement for services, and provide appropriate and quality of life health care for long-term care residents.

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Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004