Learning Objective #1: Identify the leadership characteristics of Native American nurses

Learning Objective #2: Describe the Native American Indian nurse leadership model and the components of how Native American nurses lead

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The purpose of this study was to develop a leadership model suitable for use in a Native American nurse leadership curriculum. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with a team of native nurse leaders, Arizona State University College of Nursing, and Indian Health Service to educate native nurses about native nurse leadership. Native nurses are not taught in nursing schools how to be a leader “in the Indian way” but are taught how to become leaders in western or mainstream cultural ways. A native nurse leadership model was needed to explore native nurse leadership and how it differs from non-native leadership so native nurses can be effective leaders in both native and western communities. The model generated will be used to guide the native nurse leadership curriculum. Thirty interviews with Native American nurse leaders from different tribes were conducted over a one year period. The data were analyzed using the technique of constant comparative analysis. A model describing Native American nurse leadership was developed. Three concepts emerged from the data. The first concept is “being connected to the individual, family, and community as a native nurse leader.” The second concept is “identifying what a native nurse leader is in Indian nursing.” The third concept is “describing what a native nurse leader does to lead in Indian nursing.” Threads of cultural values such as spirituality, story-telling, interdependence, humility, native non-interference, tradition, ceremony, and respect were embedded through out the model. The Native American Nurse Leadership model will be used to guide the leadership curriculum developed for native nurses. Educating native nurses about native nurse leadership will assist them in understanding their unique leadership style and strengths which may lead to an increase in work effectiveness and therefore an improvement in the quality of patient care delivered to Native Americans.