 the development of self. Succession planning to develop and nurture a new generation of transformational nurse leaders may be the only way to achieve this. To meet the concept of lifelong learning, nurse leaders or stewards will need to use of mentors and personal coaches to assist them in refining skills and improving competencies.4 Healthy nurse leader stewards will thus become visible and sound role models within their institutions to maintain the balance between self and professional fulfilment.4
The future of nursing is rapidly changing. Things are somewhat chaotic at times, but the opportunities for stewardship are many and varied. We are ideally suited to serve as nurse leaders or stewards in all aspects of health care. By embracing the six aims of health care improvement, the leadership of nursing can be both invigorating and transformational.
Nursing Science Editor
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3. Dingel-Stewart S, LaCoste, J. Light at the end of the tunnel: a vision for an empowered nursing profession across the continuum of care. Nurs Adm Q 2004; 28:212-216.
4. Haase-Herrick K. The opportunities of stewardship. Nurs Adm Q 2005; 29:115-118.
5. Saltman R, Ferroussier-Davis O. The concept of stewardship in health policy. Bull World Health Organ 2000;78(6):732-739.
6. Taymiya I. Public Duties in Islam: The Institution of the Hisba. Markfield, UK: Islamic Foundation, 1985.
7. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the quality chasm: a new health care system for the 21st century. Washington: National Academy Press, 2001.
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9. Storch J. Ethical dimensions of leadership. In: Hibberd J, Smith D, eds. Nursing Leadership and Management in Canada. Toronto: Mosby, 2006:395-414.
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