Nurse Leaders' Interpersonal Communication Competence

Abstract

Background Despite the beneficial associations of nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence with job satisfaction, engagement, and reduced burnout among nurses, there has been little research on the topic. Objectives To describe nurse leaders' perceptions of interpersonal communication competence. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in the three well-being services counties in Finland between February and April 2024. A total sample of 21 nurse leaders participated. Data were analyzed using abductive content analysis, starting with a deductive phase guided by a conceptual framework of nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence categories, followed by inductive analysis. Further, the outcome of the analysis was viewed through the theory of interpersonal communication competence. Results In addition to the three categories of nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence - message competence, relational competence, and task competence - the study identified a fourth main category: ethical principles. Alongside these main categories, 27 subcategories were identified. An exploration of the results through the lens of interpersonal communication competence theory showed that the theory's cognitive, behavioral, and affective dimensions were identifiable in the description. Discussion Using a unique multidisciplinary methodological solution, the results highlight the complex and adaptive nature of nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence. It provides a thorough description of nurse leaders' interpersonal communication competence, supported by interpersonal communication competence theory. The results promote an understanding of the interpersonal communication competence required in nursing leadership. To retain competent nurses and ensure quality care, a comprehensive understanding of communication competence in nursing leadership is essential, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.