Developing and sustaining nursing leadership for healthy work environments.

The current nursing shortage and increasing demand for healthcare service in the home and community compound the urgent need for service providers to better attract and retain nurses. Nursing leaders can enhance recruitment and retention by promoting healthy work environments, and developing leadership can help service providers become a better place to work. This case study illustrates how one community healthcare organization successfully implemented healthy workplace strategies using the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) Healthy Work Environments Best Practice Guideline, Developing and Sustaining Nursing Leadership. A detailed description of the process undertaken for project implementation and evaluation is provided, along with lessons learned and recommendations.