Nursing Leadership: Contemporary Challenges

A special issue of Nursing Reports (ISSN 2039-4403). This special issue belongs to the section "Nursing Education and Leadership".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 January 2026 | Viewed by 7591

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Northern Health School of the Portuguese Red Cross, 3720-126 Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal
Interests: management and administration; nursing leadership; organization and work methodologies of nurses; professional practice environments

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Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, Community University of the Chapecó Region (Unochapecó), Chapecó 89809-900, Brazil
Interests: occupational health; nursing management and administration; nursing leadership

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nursing leadership plays an essential role in ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care. It is evident that nurse leaders directly influence quality of care by driving organizational changes and strengthening the role of nursing in the global healthcare landscape.

In a world where health challenges are becoming increasingly complex, the need for nurses who are prepared to lead innovations, manage multidisciplinary teams, and implement improvements in clinical practice has never been more evident. However, strengthening nursing leadership requires more than just technical knowledge. It involves creating an organizational culture that fosters autonomy, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. In this regard, nurse leaders must be prepared to face adversities, manage scarce resources, promote a healthy work environment, and ensure that their teams are equipped to provide safe and high-quality care.

Finally, innovation and the continuous improvement of healthcare processes depend on proactive and committed leadership. The active participation of nurses in developing strategies to enhance patient care and safety is essential to addressing emerging challenges and transforming the nursing landscape.

Dr. João Miguel Almeida Ventura Da Silva
Dr. Samuel Spiegelberg Zuge
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nursing leadership
  • health services administration
  • patient-centered care
  • work environment
  • organizational innovation

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1320 KB  
Article
Emotional Intelligence in the Professional Development of Nurses: From Training to the Improvement of Healthcare Quality
by Efthymia Chatzidimitriou, Sotiria Triantari and Ioannis Zervas
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(8), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15080275 - 30 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emotional intelligence has emerged as a key factor in shaping nursing performance and care quality, yet its specific mechanisms and impact within the Greek public healthcare context remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in ethical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emotional intelligence has emerged as a key factor in shaping nursing performance and care quality, yet its specific mechanisms and impact within the Greek public healthcare context remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in ethical behavior, crisis management, and the perceived quality of care among nurses working in Greek public hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing nurses using validated instruments to assess emotional intelligence, ethical compliance, crisis management skills, and care quality. Data were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB SEM) to examine both direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results: The results indicated that emotional intelligence training had a strong and significant effect on nurses’ ethical behavior and their ability to manage critical situations. However, the direct effect of emotional intelligence on the perceived quality of care was not significant; instead, its influence was mediated through improvements in ethics and crisis management. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the benefits of emotional intelligence in nursing are most evident when integrated with supportive organizational practices and ongoing professional development. Overall, this study highlights the need for comprehensive emotional intelligence training and a supportive workplace culture to enhance ethical standards, resilience, and patient care quality in Greek healthcare settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Leadership: Contemporary Challenges)
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Review

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16 pages, 802 KB  
Review
Pathways to Nursing and Midwifery Education in Tanzania with Reflection to the Global Perspectives: A Narrative Review
by Tumbwene Elieza Mwansisya, Mary Apolinary Lyimo and Eunice Siaity Pallangyo
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(12), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15120452 - 18 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This review aimed to explore the pathways of nursing and midwifery education in Tanzania and compare them with global perspectives. The goal was to identify similarities, differences, and areas for potential improvement to align with international standards. Methods: A narrative [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This review aimed to explore the pathways of nursing and midwifery education in Tanzania and compare them with global perspectives. The goal was to identify similarities, differences, and areas for potential improvement to align with international standards. Methods: A narrative literature review was carried out through databases with published studies in nursing and gray literature. The database search included Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, PsycINFO, clinical nursing, and gray literature from January 2014 up to December 2024. The search process was carried out by the authors with the following key words: admission, pathway to nursing profession, delivery mode, generative dynamic, and learning models. The search strategy included studies from selected countries in East Africa, Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. The inclusion criteria were (1) published papers or reviews addressing the review topics; (2) studies published in the English language; (3) gray literature on the reviewed topics; (4) studies originating from Tanzania, East Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The selected countries served as a source for comparison of nursing and midwifery education in Tanzania with the globe. Results: A total of 758 articles were reviewed from the selected databases. Finally, 27 studies and 11 gray literature sources were included. In Tanzania, the overall duration of nursing education from primary education to a bachelor’s degree for diploma graduates is relatively long. Students complete approximately 14 years of schooling from primary education to the completion of a diploma, including three years at the diploma level. To enroll in a degree program, candidates are required to have two years of professional experience, followed by four years of academic training and a mandatory one-year internship. Globally, the duration of educational programs is generally decreasing due to generational shifts and advancements in technology. Conclusions: Whilst nursing and midwifery education is regulated in Tanzania, the current admission criteria and duration of the program do not align with the global standards. Future studies that provide the comparison of curriculums among universities in Tanzania with global standards would provide a deep understanding of the competencies, teaching models, learning environment, duration, and desired learning outcomes for nursing and midwifery education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Leadership: Contemporary Challenges)
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