Transformational Leadership and Patient Satisfaction: Redefining Bedside Nurses' Roles

Bedside nurses' leadership roles have not been re-defined or re-categorized since the increase of accountabilty standards for nurses on HCAPHS surveys.  Because patients' ratings on the HCAPHS surveys concerning bedside nursing care are directly tied to hospital monetary rewards or losses, bedside nurses face a new set of challeges.  Since healthcare administrative leaders are generally transactional leaders, nurses' ideas for improvement are seldom acknowledged.  Transformational health care leaders intrinsically inspire bedside nurses to be part of a decision making process on how to maintain and promote patient satisfaction.