<b>Meanings attributed to the leader in the nurses’ view</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i4.9677

Abstract

A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, which aimed to know the meanings attributed to the leader in the nurses’ view. It was carried out in a large hospital in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, during the months of February and March 2008, with the participation of eleven nurses. As a tool of research, a semi-structured interviews conducted in the place of study was used. The collected data were submitted to analysis of the content from which four categories emerged: Leader as agent of changes; Visionary leader; Motivational leader and Leader as a builder of friendship ties. It was possible to obtain a multiplicity of meanings, which can be considered as characteristics that facilitate the exercise of leadership, including: motivation, vision, friendship, and adaptability to situations that provide changes. Thus, we highlight the importance of nurses using the leadership as a tool to assist in the management, decision making, in interpersonal relations and in solving disputes that may arise at work.