The Role of Servant Leadership in Fostering Psychological Safety Among Nurses in Jordanian Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Servant leadership (SL), characterized by moral behavior and a focus on serving and empowering team members, is particularly relevant in a critical care setting, where a highly pressured environment requires a consistent and empowered team. Psychological safety (PS), a high perception level, and speaking without fear of penalty are highly recommended in critical care areas, including ICUs, CCUs, ERs, burn units, and any other departments that require intensive care for patients to maximize professionalism and improve patient outcomes.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SL and PS as perceived by nurses in critical care areas of Jordanian hospitals.

Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 207 registered nurses working in inpatient departments and the Hemodialysis Unit across five Jordanian hospitals participated in the study. Data were collected using the SL survey and the PS survey to measure the nurses’ perceptions of SL and PS.

Result: Critical care nurses reported a moderate perception of SL (M = 66.7 out of 108) and PS (M = 90.4 out of 133). A strong, significant, and positive correlation was found between leadership and PS (r = 0.74). Regression results indicated that SL was a significant predictor of PS (β = 0.82, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: SL is a key factor in healthcare institutions that facilitate PS among critical care nurses.