Inclusive Leadership Impact on Patient Care Among Nigerian Nurses

Global statistics show high turnover rates of nurses in the U.S. and U.K. with 67% of nurses leaving between 2021 and 2024, underscoring the role of ineffective inclusive leadership (IL) in reduced patient satisfaction and staff disengagement. The Nigerian healthcare system is characterized by nursing leaders who make critical decisions without involving frontline providers, resulting in poor collaboration and negative patient outcomes. Limited research exists on IL and patient care in Nigeria. This study explores the impact of poor IL practices on patient care among Nigerian nurses with a systematic review of databases including Academic Source Complete, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. Key themes include the relationship between IL and work engagement, its influence on patient care quality, and the role of IL in empowering nurses. These findings emphasize how IL enhances job satisfaction and improves patient outcomes. Future research can include quantitative cross-sectional surveys to measure the statistical relationship between IL practices and patient care outcomes in Nigeria, as well as qualitative phenomenological studies to examine the lived experiences of Nigerian nurses with IL, providing deeper insights into how IL practices affect their professional lives and patient care. This study underscores the need for policy reforms and leadership development programs prioritizing inclusivity and collaboration in healthcare.