Transition-Friendly Leadership Styles: Nursing Students' Perspectives in Clinical Settings

Background: This study aimed to investigate the preferred leadership styles of nursing students transitioning into registered nurses in Brunei. The study explored factors influencing their choice of leadership styles and provided insights into leadership approaches that can enhance their ability to lead and manage in clinical settings. Methods: This qualitative study involved a purposive sampling of 43 final-year nursing students in Brunei. Participants were asked to write reflective essays on their experiences with leadership and management modules and clinical attachments. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was acquired from participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the essays. Transformational leadership, emphasizing inspiration, motivation, and intellectual stimulation, is the most preferred style among nursing students, fostering collaboration and skill development. Results: Democratic leadership, promoting shared decision-making, also supports an inclusive learning environment. In contrast, transactional, autocratic, and laissez-faire styles were less effective, with the latter two being the least favored due to limited autonomy and guidance. Factors like resources, mentorship, and student characteristics impact leadership effectiveness in clinical settings. Conclusion: Nursing education should prioritize the development of collaborative, motivating, and empowering leadership skills. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of leadership style preferences on nursing practice.