Healthcare is evolving, with clinicians stepping into leadership roles to improve patient outcomes and guide teams. Many aspiring leaders, however, feel uncertain about how to make this transition, especially without formal leadership experience.
Harvard Medical School explains that today’s clinician-leaders need to be “purpose-driven, data-informed, and collaborative” to navigate the increasing complexity of healthcare systems. David Quitmeyer emphasizes that clinicians transitioning to leadership must shift their focus from individual patient care to broader organizational impact.
Start Strong Through Mentorship
Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your leadership journey. Research consistently shows that having a mentor improves career satisfaction, skill development, and advancement opportunities in healthcare leadership. Mentorship often plays a pivotal role in leadership development.
Christina Bedard, National Clinical Director for Express Healthcare Staffing, said, “Consider finding a mentor to work with. A mentor can help you develop your skills as well as give you feedback necessary to grow in your future role.”
A strong mentor can help you:
- Identify your strengths and areas for growth
- Build confidence in decision-making
- Navigate organizational politics
- Gain visibility with senior leaders
Crafting the Leader Within
Research published in the American Journal of Healthcare Leadership emphasizes that emotional intelligence and decision-making under pressure are crucial for success in leadership roles. When asked what core skills clinicians should focus on, Bedard said, “Communication, time management, the ability to accept feedback, both positive and negative, and most importantly, critical thinking skills.”
Communication with staff, patients, and executives—combined with effective time management—enables leaders to balance patient care and administrative tasks. Embracing feedback promotes improvement, and critical thinking aids informed decision-making to enhance patient outcomes and achieve organizational goals.
Dive Into Training and Development Programs
“There are many reputable nursing organizations, as well as local boards of nursing, that offer so much in the way of training and growing in leadership. It helps when the mentor can be present to observe you in your current role.”
Christina Bedard
Many organizations offer leadership development resources:
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- Harvard Medical School’s Global Health Care Leaders Program
These programs help clinicians build leadership competencies, understand healthcare systems, and gain confidence in administrative responsibilities.
Lead Before You’re the Leader
When discussing how clinicians can begin practicing leadership early, Bedard shared a thoughtful perspective: “For nurses, a great segue is getting trained to be a backup charge nurse. Additionally, getting involved in different committees in your organization and community allows for leadership in various related areas.”
Leadership is not defined by a title—it’s defined by behavior. Here are practical ways to gain leadership experience now:
- Volunteer to become a backup charge nurse
- Join or lead unit-based committees
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives
- Mentor new staff or students
- Take on project-based leadership roles
These opportunities show initiative and help you create a leadership portfolio. Learning from the experiences of others is a powerful way for clinicians to understand what effective leadership looks like in practice.
Career stories provide insights into leadership. Clinicians often start their leadership journeys by observing mentors, reflecting on patient interactions, and addressing community needs. Leadership evolves through decisions and experiences rather than in a single moment.
“Throughout my career, I have always been interested in my superiors’ career journeys. I have had countless interactions with patients and healthcare associates that have made me reflect on my own choices and validated my career decisions.”
Christina Bedard
Transitioning from clinician to leader requires intention, curiosity, and courage. Seeking mentorship, honing skills, and practicing leadership can lay a strong career foundation. Healthcare needs leaders who understand both clinical and human aspects of care. Start today—your future team is counting on you.
About Express Healthcare Staffing
Express Healthcare Staffing is in the business of people. We support local hospitals, clinics, and long-term facilities with exceptional medical professionals seeking new career opportunities. Through an individual approach to healthcare staffing, we help ensure the right fit for both the facility and the professional.
