Healthcare largely remains fragmented between physical and mental health services, resulting in poorer outcomes and inefficiencies. An aging population and increasing comorbidities among patients highlight the urgent need for integration. Barriers such as historical separation of physical and mental health services, workforce limitations and stigma persist, yet societal attitudes are shifting to be more aware and accepting of mental health conditions. Nurse leaders, with their holistic, patient-centred approach, are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. This commentary will explore the critical role of nurse leaders in advancing the integration of physical and mental healthcare.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are essential to Canada's healthcare system, yet role implementation in acute care is often inconsistent. Complex organizational structures and unclear reporting lines can hinder NP's role clarity and utilization. The NP lead role addresses these challenges by interpreting relevant legislation, advocating for NPs and supporting full-scope practice. This paper outlines the development and implementation of the NP lead role at a large tertiary acute care hospital in Canada, highlighting its positive impact on role clarity, NP utilization and work-life, ultimately supporting both NP practice and leadership within complex healthcare environments.
INTRODUCTION:A relational coaching intervention in long-term care (LTC) studied leaders' self-perceptions and behaviours as champions of applying learning in team practice. METHODOLOGY:A developmental evaluation design incorporated an appreciative inquiry framework with 29 leaders from 10 LTC homes using Team Essentials education. RESULTS:A positive influence on confidence and commitment indicators was found, and key leader behaviours were identified. DISCUSSION:Goal-directed, relational leadership coaching in LTC supports team practice improvement and is accelerated by the implementation of relational leadership practices. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING LEADERSHIP:Using relational coaching can improve teams' experiences and outcomes of applying learning in practice.
This paper addresses the critical issue of perinatal substance use (PSU) in Canada and highlights the urgent need for relevant and current prevalence data. PSU poses significant risks to perinatal and infant health, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that are grounded in comprehensive data and research. Comprehensive data collection must include disaggregated information by province and differentiate between various substances. Nurse leaders are uniquely positioned to advocate for these initiatives, enhance healthcare provider education and support ongoing research. A coordinated approach is essential for improving health outcomes for perinatal individuals and their families across Canada.
This paper describes a mission and values pilot program implemented across a healthcare network and co-led by a nurse healthcare leader. The aim of this paper was to support staff, physicians and volunteers to learn about and incorporate organizational mission and values into their work and care. The paper reviews the program's development, implementation and evaluation. The benefits of integrating mission and values into work and workplace interactions, along with applications for healthcare leaders, are discussed. Such a program can provide insights for leaders to foster joy in work, bolster retention and enable the healthcare workforce to actualise mission-driven work and care provision.
