“You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup”: A Qualitative Exploration of Formal and Informal Social Support as Experienced by Frontline Nurse Leaders

Abstract

Effective leadership behaviors of nurse managers shape the quality of patient care, foster a positive work environment, and drive the overall health care organizational success. Evidence suggests that leadership behaviors of nurse managers are a function of personal and social factors; however, a better understanding of this process is needed. Based upon interviews with 10 nurse leaders, this qualitative descriptive multisite study examined how nurse managers experience formal and informal social support. Results suggest that nurse managers perceive social support as essential to their ability to exhibit effective leadership behaviors. Findings from this study call organizations to establish interventions that facilitate the provision of support for nurse managers both in the workplace and at home.