10 best and worst nursing bosses

Best: The Cheerleader

The Cheerleader isn’t so much about teaching and training, but more about making you feel good about what you do. Did you work a double shift twice this month? What a rockstar! Finish all your paperwork early? You’re awesome!

While this leadership style won’t propel your health care career, it does help motivate you to accomplish your goals. The Cheerleader knows that compliments make you feel successful and good about yourself. They are the carrot used to motivate you to accomplish what you want, and look toward loftier goals.

Best: The Teacher

The Teacher remembers the time when they were in your shoes, when they wished there was someone to show them the ropes at the hospital. They take you under their wing and try to impart all the medical knowledge they wished they knew at that time.

There is never a stupid question to the Teacher. Everything is a learning experience. They are not one to grab a patient’s chart or syringe out of your hand and do it themselves. To the Teacher, the only way to learn is by doing. The ultimate goal is to see the pupil succeed, which makes the nurses the number one priority.

Best: The Communicator

To this boss, there is no such thing as over-communicating. Every detail of the goals and objectives of their team is laid out for everyone. Every e-mail from upper management is forwarded to the entire team. The Communicator wants to make sure that their team is constantly in the loop.

The Communicator is always around to answer any questions you may have, and will always answer them as honestly as possible. They are always willing to have a heart-to-heart about work issues, but never about personal matters. And, of course, the “office” door is always open.

The Enabler–>