IntroductionIn healthcare, it is very important to have strong leaders, especially in the nursing profession. A nurse leader typically uses multiple leadership styles depending on the situation presented; This is called situational leadership. It is important for the professional nurse to choose the appropriate leadership style for a given situation to ensure that their employees maximize their potential. Depending on the leadership style used by a nurse leader, it can affect staff retention and employee morale as well as nurses' job satisfaction (Azaare & Gross, 2011.) "Nurse leaders have the responsibility to create and maintain a work environment that promotes only positive patient outcomes, but also positively influences teams and individual nurses” (Malloy & Penprase, 2010.) Let's explore two different leadership styles and discuss how they can improve or diminish the nursing process. Review of Professional Nursing LiteratureIn the field of health care, there are There are many ways to influence others and each comes with a leadership style that the nurse possesses when making decisions. When you put things into perspective, an institution's attitudes, values, and behaviors begin with its leadership (Azaare & Gross, 2011.) Democratic and autocratic leadership styles are very common for the everyday professional nurse. Depending on the situation, both leadership styles can be very effective. In a code or emergency situation, it is very important that the nurse leader be able to make quick decisions. In this case, there would be little time to make a group decision and it would be appropriate for the leader to step up his efforts and become an autocratic leader. An autocratic leader exercises gr...... middle of paper ...... satisfaction. Works Cited Azaare, J. and Gross, J. (2011). The nature of leadership in nursing management. British Journal of Nursing, 20(11), 672-680. Retrieved from EBSCO host Davidhizar, R. (1992). Lead with charisma. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 18, 675-679. Retrieved from EBSCO hostHood, J. (2010). Conceptual bases of professional nursing. (7th ed. ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Kerfoot, K. (2008). Lead or serve? : how leaders execute effectively. MEDSURG Nursing, 17(2), 133-134. Retrieved from EBSCOM Host Alloy, T. and Penprase, B. (2010). Nursing leadership style and psychosocial work environment. Journal of Nursing Management, 18, 715-725. Retrieved from EBSCO hostNorth, W.K. (2011). Leadership styles impact staff retention and morale. Clinical Trial Administrator, 9(8), 89-90. Excerpt from EBSCO host