Restructured hospital unit leadership reduces burnout, improves retention

Nursing leaders at WakeMed Cary (N.C.) implemented a budget-neutral leadership restructuring at the unit level rooted in delegation, collaboration and succession planning, resulting in improved staff satisfaction, reduced turnover and restored joy in leadership. Published in the Voice of Nursing Leadership November issue, the article details how the unit altered its leadership structure from one nurse manager and two supervisor/educators to one featuring five distinct leadership roles: one nurse manager, one supervisor/educator and three clinical team leads. The clinical team leads enabled emerging leaders to augment their leadership skills, while allowing the nurse manager and supervisor/educator to focus on strategic initiatives and professional growth. Staff turnover decreased from 26% in September 2023 to less than 11% in January 2025.