Authentic Leadership and Clinical Nurse Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis of A Statewide Study.
Abstract
Objective
To examine the relationships between authentic leadership (AL) and work environment, job enjoyment, and intent to leave (ITL) among hospital-based clinical nurses in New Jersey.
Background
Nearly 40% of nurses in the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey reported ITL as the profession within 5 years, driven by stress, burnout, and workload. Although healthy work environments improve nurse retention and well-being, AL remains an underexplored influence on nurse outcomes.
Methods
Secondary analysis of a descriptive, cross-sectional statewide study.
Results
AL scores were significantly associated with healthier work environment subscales (communication, collaboration, decision-making, staffing, and recognition) (β=1.05 to 1.20, P<0.001), greater job enjoyment (β=2.89, P<0.001) and lower ITL (β=-1.64, P<0.001). Working in a facility with a union was not significant in the models.
Conclusion
Findings from this statewide study demonstrated that clinical nurses who perceive higher AL report healthier work environments, increased job enjoyment, and lower ITL.