What is Quantum Leadership in Nursing? (PLUS, Pros VS. Cons, Characteristics, & How to Become)


Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN, MBA


If you are a nurse leader or hope to become a nurse leader, you are probably aware that there many types of nursing leadership styles. One common type of leadership in nursing is quantum leadership.

Maybe you have heard of quantum leadership but wonder, “Exactly what is quantum leadership in nursing?” In this article, I will share my thoughts about quantum leadership in nursing and provide some insight based on my personal experiences. As you continue reading, you will learn about the pros and cons of this leadership style, the characteristics of a good quantum nurse leader, and tips for how to succeed as a leader in the quantum leadership style.



What is Quantum Leadership in Nursing?


Quantum leadership in nursing is an approach to leadership that draws inspiration from the principles of quantum physics. This type of leadership focuses on key aspects, including nonlinearity, a holistic perspective, adaptability, collaboration, and interconnectedness.



3 Main Pros of Quantum Leadership in Nursing


There are many leadership styles in nursing, and finding the style that best suits you may take some time. One thing I believe is important is to compare the pros and cons of any leadership style to see which ones line up with your goals, values, and perspectives. The following are three main pros of quantum leadership in nursing.

Pro #1: Quantum Leadership in Nursing Benefits Everyone

One of the main advantages of quantum leadership in nursing is that it allows nurse leaders to maintain a synergistic working team. In synergistic teams, members collaborate to accomplish the common goal of providing the highest-quality patient-centered care. By using realism and engagement, quantum leadership in nursing benefits patients, all members of the healthcare delivery staff, and the organizations for whom they work.

Pro #2: Quantum Leadership Enhances Patient Care and Organizational Outcomes

Another top pro of quantum leadership in nursing is that when principles of quantum leadership are followed, it leads to positive patient, nurse, and organizational outcomes. Positive outcomes are possible because, with quantum leadership, leaders are adept at thriving in uncertain situations, ensuring swift responses to changing patient needs. Also, because quantum leadership focuses on a holistic approach, it leads to more comprehensive patient care.

Pro #3: Quantum Leadership in Nursing is Relationship-Focused

Instead of clinging to hierarchies, quantum leadership in nursing acknowledges the importance of promoting meaningful connections between patients, nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. This interconnectedness fosters an environment of empathy, trust, and communication, which supports mutual respect, a sense of purpose, and shared decision-making.



3 Main Cons of Quantum Leadership in Nursing


While it is an innovative approach with some great advantages, quantum leadership in nursing is not without challenges. The following are a few of the cons you may find associated with this type of leadership style in nursing.


Con #1: Quantum Leadership Can Be Unpredictable

A quantum leader in nursing typically views organizations as a dynamic system, and as such, even the smallest changes can lead to major shifts. One of the cons of quantum leadership is that predicting outcomes can become challenging. To be effective in this type of leadership, you must be able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and make decisions based on facts, not assumed plans.

Con #2: There Is Often a Resistance to Change

It is only natural to expect resistance when changes are implemented, especially in leadership and large organizations. Quantum leadership requires individuals to experience a shift from linear thought processes to embrace interconnectedness and complexity, and many people find this difficult. Additionally, quantum leadership styles do not follow well-defined management models like types of leadership and typically lack step-by-step guidelines. Because there is a lack of concrete frameworks in quantum leadership, some leaders struggle with even the basic nature of its principles.

Con #3: Quantum Leadership Takes a Less Traditional Approach

Traditional leadership styles focus on clear roles and boundaries for each member of the team. Quantum leadership, on the other hand, allows more free-flowing interaction and interdisciplinary collaboration to come to important decisions. While this could be a positive approach, this nonlinear perspective to leadership can leave individuals who are more accustomed to hierarchical approaches feeling challenged to grasp the quantum approach.



7 Main Characteristics Of A Quantum Leader


Good nurse leaders have a wide array of qualities and characteristics that make them successful. From empathy, compassion, and integrity to excellent communication, professionalism, and strong ethics, nurse leaders are what many call “the whole package.” There are also some common characteristics that quantum nurse leaders possess, including the ones listed below.


Characteristic #1: Quantum Leaders Practice Self-Awareness

Quantum leaders use reflection and introspection to demonstrate self-awareness. This type of leader seeks feedback from peers and embraces the fact that external perspectives help improve self-awareness. Quantum leaders assess their own behaviors and decisions and take into account how they impact others. Additionally, quantum leaders are open about their limitations and willing to discuss their strengths and weaknesses for the benefit of their teams.


Characteristic #2: Quantum Leaders Embrace Diversity

Individuals who follow the quantum leadership style in nursing are known for embracing and promoting diversity within their teams. Quantum nurse leaders focus on listening to diverse perspectives and encourage open communication about diversity between team members. Additionally, this type of leader promotes cultural competence by educating themselves and their teams about diverse customs and cultures.


Characteristic #3: Strong Critical Thinking

Another main characteristic of a quantum leader in nursing is their ability to demonstrate critical thinking. Quantum leaders are skilled at breaking down complex problems and finding reasonable solutions. They combine evidence-based logic with experience and insights, weigh possible outcomes, and seek input from others’ experiences.


Characteristic #4: They Think “Outside the Box”

Quantum leaders think outside the box by fostering creativity and embracing unconventional approaches to keep their teams engaged. One way they accomplish this is by challenging assumptions and encouraging team members to explore beyond-the-obvious possibilities and viewpoints. They look at things with a broader context rather than focusing on one factor or dimension of isolated problems.


Characteristic #5: Quantum Leaders Believe in a Holistic Approach

A characteristic that is common among quantum leaders in nursing is their ability to take a holistic approach to leadership. Quantum leaders not only think outside the box and look at the bigger picture, but they embrace the interconnectedness of their team members. These leaders recognize the significant impact that organizational decisions make on the team as a whole and encourage collaboration among team members, careful to integrate diverse perspectives. Their priority is employee well-being.


Characteristic #6: They View Challenges as Opportunities for Growth

A strong quantum leader in nursing is known for leveraging challenges to foster opportunities for transformation and growth. This type of leader uses an adaptive mindset to embrace change, rather than resisting it. They use setbacks as catalysts to improve situations, instead of using them as an excuse for not progressing. Additionally, quantum nurse leaders find ways to analyze problems and use lessons from those challenges to help guide future decision-making.


Characteristic #7: Quantum Leaders Demonstrate a Sense of Purpose

A common characteristic among quantum leaders in nursing is that their mindset and actions reflect a strong sense of purpose. They align their core values and decisions to prioritize what is most important. Quantum leaders believe leadership is a service they provide to patients, peers, and their communities. Their intense sense of purpose helps them to persevere, even in the most challenging times. They also strive to instill the feeling of a sense of purpose in their team members, knowing that when their team members feel valued and believe they have true purpose, they are happier with their jobs and become better employees.

My friend, Shannon, is a perfect example of a quantum leader in nursing. She is one of those people who always seems to have a plan and knows how to get things done. She treats her team members with as much compassion and dignity as she does her patients, encouraging each one by reminding them of their purpose as nurses and telling them she believes in them. I can tell you from experience that having a nurse leader who is willing to do that makes the job seem more worthwhile.



How To Become A Successful Quantum Leader In Nursing?


While some people have the knack for leading others, quantum leadership in nursing takes on a different approach. Therefore, to be a successful quantum nurse leader, there are some steps you should follow.

Step #1: Become a Collaborator

To succeed as a quantum leader in nursing, you must learn to engage with colleagues from various backgrounds. Effective quantum nurse leaders appreciate and embrace diverse perspectives. Seek ways to understand interdisciplinary perspectives, which makes members of your interprofessional team feel valued. When you acknowledge the value of the experiences and insights of your team members, you create an atmosphere that encourages engagement and team building.

Step #2: Practice Self-Reflection

A crucial step in being successful in quantum leadership in nursing is to practice self-reflection. This step requires you to explore and understand your own values and how they impact your decision making. Self-reflection involves identifying your strengths as well as any areas for growth and being willing to embrace them both.

Self-reflection is a good practice for everyone. As a nurse leader, I learned that when I was in tune with my personal thoughts, feelings, and values, it was easier for me to make decisions based on what I felt was right. It also helped me identify areas where I could improve. By acknowledging those things and seeking ways to become a better person and better nurse, I also became a better leader.

Step #3: Be Willing to Adapt

To be effective as a quantum nurse leader, it is important to demonstrate adaptability. Being adaptable means you can adjust your strategies based on changes in circumstances, instead of rigidly sticking to the norms, which could hinder progress. An adaptable quantum leader is willing to explore different perspectives and unconventional solutions and draws upon collective experiences and wisdom from their team to help address and solve complex problems.

Step #4: Encourage Growth Within Your Team

Success with the quantum leadership style in nursing requires a willingness to empower others. Good quantum nurse leaders create an atmosphere where others feel valued and where exploring creative solutions is encouraged. When you empower others to see their strengths and to grow personally and professionally, you build stronger teams, which improves outcomes for everyone involved.

I once worked with a nurse supervisor named Ms. Agnes. She was an older nurse who came across with a meek, “grandmother-like” personality. One thing I remember about her, all these years later, is that there was no favoritism with her. She encouraged every member of our team to grow, learn, and apply ourselves to become better nurses, team members, and people. Her approach was a perfect example of quantum leadership in nursing.

Step #5: Understand Your Vision and Purpose

Having a vision and a sense of purpose is a crucial part of becoming a quantum leader in nursing. You can accomplish this by reflecting on your passions and short- and long-term goals. Ask yourself what drives you to become a better nurse and strong nurse leader. Think about the true meaning behind your work. How does what you do each day impact your patients, their families, your team, and your organization?

Also, explore ways to be inspired. For example, talk about your vision with colleagues and ask them to share their visions and goals. Finally, put your values and purpose into actionable form so you can align your vision with actions that will accomplish the goals you have set.

Step #6: Learn to Balance Your Instincts with Evidence-Based Practice

Strong nurse leaders incorporate evidence-based practices into their leadership strategies. Good quantum nurse leaders understand that balancing instincts with evidence-based practices is essential. When you use your instincts as a guide, based on your experiences, you can offer valuable insights to your team. Critically evaluate evidence and weigh it against your gut instincts to help make clinical decisions.

I think one of the hardest things for me to learn as a leader was that everything is not always cut and dry. Sometimes, we have to look at the evidence and facts laid before us then weigh them against our instincts about what is right or wrong or the best option for a given situation. It is okay to question what many people consider the “norm,” especially if your instincts tell you there is more to a situation than you may see.

Step #7: Study Quantum Leadership Principles

Quantum leadership involves an innovative approach to leadership. The key principles of quantum leadership are observer effect, entanglement, nonlinearity, interconnectedness, superposition, and uncertainty. You will find in your study of quantum leadership principles that quantum leaders recognize connections within a system that make organizations work. You will learn to embrace unpredictability, balance multiple perspectives, and influence outcomes.



My Final Thoughts


With so many types of leadership styles in nursing, like quantum leadership in nursing, it sometimes takes a while to figure out which one suits you. If you are a nurse leader or want to become one, knowing your own values, thoughts, and ideas will help you choose the style that works best for you. In this article, I answered the question, “What is quantum leadership in nursing?” You learned about the pros and cons of this type of leadership and what it takes to succeed as a quantum leader in nursing. I urge you to research different types of leadership styles and find one that is most aligned with your values and beliefs because, when you can align your values with a leadership style, you become more effective in your leadership role.



List Of Sources Used For This Article


1. “22 Leadership Qualities in Nursing Every Nurse Leader Must Have in 2024” (nursingprocess.org)
2. “Twelve Principles of Quantum Leadership” (springer.com)


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.