Psychological Preparedness and Crisis Leadership Among Nurse Managers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The failure to recognize the active role nurse managers play in maintain team morale and productivity, and in ensuring patient outcomes, was brought to light by the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Achieving psychological preparedness and essential leadership are important to defeat challenges such as burnout, resource shortages, and decision making under pressure. However, little is known about strategies that assist nurse managers to lead effectively in times of crises.
Aim: The aim of the study is to explore psychological preparedness and leadership strategies of nurse managers, through the prism of resilience, leadership styles, communication and organizational support in healthcare crises.
Method: PRISMA guidelines were followed by a systematic review. A search for studies published between 2020 and 2024 was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO). Psychological preparedness, leadership behaviors, and crisis management among nurse managers were examined in ten peer reviewed studies. Key themes were identified using data synthesis.
Results: Four major themes emerged: psychological resilience, adaptive and servant leadership, effective communication and strong institutional support. Resilience building measures and adaptive leadership styles were identified as critical for reducing burnout and increasing team performance, which were the focus of seven studies. Good crisis leadership was dependent upon transparent communication and team engagement. Barriers were identified as resource constraints, insufficient training, inadequate organization support. There also were gaps in leadership programs and communication practices identified.
Conclusion: The evidence suggests interventions to promote nurse managers’ psychological preparedness and leadership skills. Nurse managers are strategically empowered and, therefore, can lead effectively in crisis situations through resilience training, simulation-based leadership programs, and improvement of organizational support. These approaches also contribute to strengthen in healthcare system in the run up of better outcomes as well as for the operational efficiency in emergencies