Systematic Review on Characteristics and Effects of Leadership Development Interventions for Nursing Students

Nurse Educ. 2024 May-Jun;49(3):E147-E152. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000001540. Epub 2023 Nov 16.

Abstract

Background: Effective nursing leadership improves health care quality, patient well-being, and nursing staff outcomes. Newly graduated nurses face challenges in transitioning into leadership roles. Thus, examining the leadership development interventions for nursing students is critical.

Purpose: This systematic review examined the characteristics and effectiveness of leadership development interventions designed for and implemented with undergraduate nursing students.

Methods: A comprehensive search covered Scopus, CINAHL Ultimate, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, WOS Core Collection, Journals@Ovid, JSTOR Journals, and ERIC databases. Included studies were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results: The final review comprised 19 studies showcasing positive impacts on leadership development. The interventions varied in leadership approach, design and content, structure, qualifications, student involvement, and outcomes.

Conclusions: Leadership development interventions are effective in enhancing nursing students' leadership. Nevertheless, future interventions should prioritize well-structured content, and studies must incorporate robust methodologies.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate* / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Leadership*
  • Nursing Education Research*
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Students, Nursing* / psychology
  • Students, Nursing* / statistics & numerical data