Nurse Leader Advocacy

Abstract

In the current health care landscape, nurse leaders are faced with the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, political polarization, and social outrage, which threaten team cohesion and professional identity. Nurse leaders should utilize the professional identity in nursing as a framework for navigating difficult conversations and fostering a supportive work environment. By emphasizing values, ethics, knowledge, and leadership, nurse leaders can engage authentically with their teams, cultivate psychological safety, and advocate for health equity. Ultimately, this approach not only strengthens nursing's professional identity but also enhances nurses' influence in shaping health care policies amidst societal upheaval.