Evidence-based practice and the road to Magnet status.

Conducting research and using evidence-based practice play a major role in achieving Magnet status, the sought-after recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center to healthcare institutions that exhibit nursing excellence. The authors present a synopsis of a conference sponsored by a Sigma Theta Tau International consortium in which a panel of nurse leaders distinguishes between research and evidence-based practice and discusses strategies to achieve both in the journey to Magnet status.

Nurse managers as transformational and transactional leaders.

Nurse managers demonstrating transformational leadership are more likely than transactional leaders to have committed staff nurse followers. Committed followers exert extra effort, thus improving unit performance and enhancing the organization's competitive advantage.