Dialogic leadership: strategies for application in the hospital environment.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the strategies used by nurses to support the insertion of dialogic leadership in the hospital environment. METHODOLOGY Qualitative study, case study type. Twenty five nurses working in three hospitals in the city of Florianopolis, in the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil) participated in the study. Data were collected from May to December 2010. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were performed, non-participant observation and dialogue workshops. Data analysis was performed through Minayo's operational proposal. RESULTS The strategies mentioned by the study participants were: dialogue, humility, setting an example, resoluteness, meetings and teamwork. It was observed that one strategy completed the other, which contributed to the nurses' leadership. CONCLUSION The acceptance of dialogic leadership strategies in hospitals helps nurses strengthen the care provided in their workplace.