The fading of nursing leadership

Based on recent BSN student clinical observations and evaluations from inpatient hospital units to which they were assigned, we were concerned about the absence of nursing leadership in these settings and the impact this absence has on our profession. In this opinion article, we explore how nursing leadership is being influenced by the structure of health care institutions and by an anti-intellectual stance among members of the profession. We discuss how these factors are influencing the current state of our profession and recommend a course of action to ensure the professional presence of nursing in the future. We also encourage readers to think about what they can do to prevent the fading of nursing leadership.