Leadership Mentoring in Nursing Research influencing leadership development, career development, and research productivity of PhD prepared nurses: A pretest–posttest study

Abstract

Background: The Leadership Mentoring in Nursing Research (LMNR) program supports PhD-prepared nurses in their leadership development, aiming to increase the cadre of nurse scientists and strengthen nursing research in the Netherlands. Purpose: To evaluate changes in leadership practices, career development, and research productivity of PhD-prepared nurses after participation in the LMNR 2.0 program. Methods: A pretest–posttest online survey was conducted using the 30-item Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) 360° to assess leadership. Mentoring, research productivity (articles, grant funding, and scientific presentations) was measured with the Tschannen-benchmark. Discussion: The fellows showed improved leadership development in all leadership practices of the LPI. They advanced into higher positions and showed increased research productivity. Conclusion: Programs like LMNR are important measures to support PhD-prepared nurses in their leadership development enabling them to become successful, sustainable scientists and the future leaders in healthcare and therefore improving patients outcomes worldwide.