Ethical Nursing Leadership for the 21st Century: The Importance of Being the Change

Ethical leaders ensure that moral conduct is a standard expectation for people in positions of power and Chapter twelve introduces ethical leadership as the new way of leading for nurses. Many people have ingrained beliefs as to what leadership consists of. Therefore, the Chapter begins with an overview of the five most common myths of leadership. An explanation is given as to why the topic of ethical leadership has become popular in recent years. Ethical leadership has four key aims. It brings the person back into focus, it encourages organizations to invest in human potential as a valuable resource, it pursues greater social justice, and it makes protecting the environment a priority. It is argued that ethical nurse leaders are needed because the 21st Century presents unique challenges for the nursing profession. The association between ethical nursing leadership and the ethic of care is explained and nurses are inspired to take on the challenge of being agents for change. In the Case in Point a student nurse recounts a leadership strategy that empowered them.

Keywords: Ethical leadership, Ethical nursing leadership, Entrepreneur, Ethical fitness, Ethic of care, Moral principles, Pioneer, Social justice.