Effect of RN age, experience on transformational leadership qualities

Editor's Note

Transformational leadership qualities develop throughout an RN’s career, even outside of upper management levels, finds this study. Earlier studies have shown that leadership capabilities are strongest within CNO and director positions.

The study, which included 261 active RNs, also shows that those with management experience and more than 30 years of work experience have higher transformational leadership metrics than those with less experience.

The evolution of RN transformational leadership metrics with age peaked from 60 to 69 years and declined in the group aged 70 to 79 years. The declined coincided with a shift from full-time work to retirement and part-time work.

This investigation offers insight as to why transformational leadership metrics drop after age 69, the researchers note.

Herman, Susan DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP; Gish, Mary DNP, RN, NEA-BC; Rosenblum, Ruth DNP, RN, PNP-BC; Herman, Michael PhD doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000488 OBJECTIVE: This study reported the evolution of transformational leadership (TL) practices and behaviors across years of age, management experience, and professional nursing practice within a professional nursing leadership organization.