Examination of the transformational leadership practices of the unit charge nurses

This study is a descriptive research type of study planned with the objective of examining the Transformational Leadership (TL) practices of unit charge nurses (UCN) working at a hospital. The sample of the study was formed by 218 clinic nurses, 17 UCN and 5 senior manager nurses voluntarily participating in the research who work at the Dr. Behcet Uz Training and Research Hospital of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. "Descriptive Information Questionnaire" and "Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI)" were used as data collection tools for the research. The LPI "Self-Assessment" and "Observer" forms which were developed by Kouzes and Posner (2003) and adapted to Turkish by Duygulu (2007) consist of five leadership practices and 30 statements. Five main leadership practices were examined in the inventory: "Model the Way", "Inspire a Shared Vision", "Challenge the Process", "Enable Others to Act" and "Encourage the Heart". The UCNs used the LPI "Self-Assessment" for assessing themselves and their subordinates, peers and superiors used the LPI "Observer" to assess the UCNs. Mean, standard deviation, percentage, one way variance analysis, t test and correlation analysis were used in analyzing the data. In accordance with the findings obtained through the research, it was determined that the "LPI" general mean scores of the UCNs was on an average level and the mean scores of the "Enable Others to Act" leadership practice was higher than the other leadership practice. When the "LPI" mean scores the UCNs was examined in accordance with the assessing groups, it was seen that their superiors' assessment was highest, and then came respectively their self-assessment, their peers' assessment and their subordinates' assessment. Significant differences were detected in the manner the subordinates assessed the leadership practices of the UCNs depending on the subordinates' age, the schools they were graduated from (except for the "Challenge the Process" leadership practice), the amount of time they have been working at the institution and the department they work at. In accordance with the findings obtained at the research, it was concluded that the UCNs practice the TL practices on an average level and they need to improve their leadership skills and it was recommended that the in-service training programs on leadership and continuing trainings be supported. Key Words: Leadership; Nurse Administrators; Nursing Administration; Nurse Managers; Transformational Leadership; Unit Charge Nurse.