PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS AS A CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION FOR ENSURING HIGH STANDARDS OF PATIENT-CENTERED CARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/m.2414-5998.2026.3.16565Keywords:
professional leadership competencies; Master’s degree in Nursing; patient-centred care; Advanced Practice Nurse; healthcare systemAbstract
The article analyzes current trends in the transformation of healthcare systems driven by the transition to a patient-centred model of care, healthcare digitalization, the expansion of healthcare professionals’ autonomy, and increasing requirements for the quality and safety of clinical practice. It is substantiated that these processes necessitate the development of professional leadership competencies among nursing professionals in response to contemporary healthcare challenges. The aim of the study is to provide a theoretical substantiation of the professional leadership competencies of nursing professionals as a conceptual foundation for ensuring high standards of patient-centred care, as well as to determine their structure and role in improving the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. The study analyzes the international concept of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN), the contemporary regulatory framework for nursing development in Ukraine, and institutional changes associated with the introduction of the professional qualification “Advanced Practice Nurse”. The practical implementation of contemporary approaches to Master’s-level nursing education is illustrated by the example of the educational programme of Cherkasy Medical Academy. Professional leadership competencies of nursing professionals are systematized into five interrelated domains: strategic and operational management; clinical leadership and mentorship; emotional intelligence and professional communication; crisis management and innovation; and legal, ethical, and deontological competence. The findings demonstrate that the development of professional leadership competencies and the expansion of professional autonomy are essential prerequisites for improving the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare services and for ensuring high standards of patient-centred care.
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