Abstract
BackgroundCompetent nursing leadership is essential for quality care. Nursing students must be empowered to exercise leadership. ObjectiveTo identify the perceptions of undergraduate nursing students about leadership and provide recommendations for educating future nurses to exercise leadership. DesignThis is a qualitative descriptive study. ParticipantsThe study involved 30 undergraduate nursing students from universities localized in the southeast region of Brazil. MethodsData were collected in February 2023 through online Google Forms. Thematic content analysis was used. ResultsThree themes; (1) Opinions about leadership in nursing, (2) Skills needed by a nursing leader, and (3) Suggestions for educating nursing students in leadership, and 11 sub-themes were identified. Twelve (40 %) participants reported not having taken classes on leadership yet. Twenty-one (70 %) participants stated not feeling prepared for nursing leadership. ConclusionsUndergraduate nursing students are aware of the importance of leadership in nursing care. Several skills were identified as necessary for a competent nursing leader, but efficient communication was pointed out as the most indispensable. Theoretical and practical classes, innovative teaching methods, extracurricular activities, and continuing education, were described as important measures to ensure competent nursing leadership.
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