Effect of Leadership Skills Training Program on Self Concept among Health Technical Institute Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: The development of leadership knowledge is critical in nursing education, as it equips future nurses
with essential skills necessary for effective healthcare delivery.
Aim: The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a leadership skills training program on self-concept
among health technical institute nursing students.
Methods: A quasi-experimental (pre-post test and follow-up) study design was used to conduct the study at the
Health Technical Nursing Institute, Port Said, affiliated with the Ministry of Health in Port Said City. The study
subjects consisted of all student nurses, 155 in the second academic year 2023/2024. Data were collected using four
tools: the Knowledge of Leadership Questionnaire, Leadership Skills Questionnaire, Leadership Behaviors
Questionnaire, and Self-Concept Scale.
Results: The pre- and post-test scores of leadership skills and follow-up after implementation of the educational
program significantly differ among students’ nurses (74.9% ±12.2, 80.4% ±10.4, and 85.6% ±9.1). Also, in the post
program stage, it was found that the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.321, p < 0.001) was between the self-concept
and leadership behaviors. Additionally, leadership skills are positively correlated with knowledge of leadership (r
= 0.184, p = 0.030).
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that the leadership skills training program significantly improved nursing
students’ leadership knowledge, skills, behaviors, and self-concept. Significant improvements were observed from
the pre-program to the post-program and follow-up phases, with most outcomes showing sustained or further
improvement during follow-up. Moreover, positive correlations were identified between self-concept and
leadership behaviors and skills, indicating that strengthening leadership competencies may contribute to
enhancing nursing students’ self-concept and professional readiness.
Recommendation: The study recommended expanding leadership training across nursing institutions with
structured follow-up, including self-concept development in curricula via reflective and mentoring strategies;
promoting early leadership courses to increase engagement and preparation and use predictive insights to tailor
training toward knowledge, behavior, and self-concept development.
Trial Registration Number (TRN):
The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University
(code number: NUR (11/7/2021)) (4).