OBJECTIVE: To identify personal characteristics that influences the development of a nurse leader. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus group approach to collect the data. Two focus group meetings were conducted with 11 registered nurses from a major hospital in southern Rio Grande do Sul. Content analysis suggests two main categories: (1) Personal characteristics that must be cultivated and (2) personal characteristics that must be developed. RESULTS: Participants of the study verbalized that to be a good nurse leader there is a need for the development of certain personal characteristics commonly attributed to leaders. CONCLUSION: The main personal characteristics of a good nurse leader that must be cultivated include communication, knowledge, responsibility, common sense, and self-knowledge. The study also promoted reflection and sensitization among participant nurses regarding the importance of leadership in clinical practice.
Nursing; Leadership; Work environment