The purpose of the quantitative quasi-experimental equivalent time series study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a work based shared leadership training program in a less than 200 bed hospital in rural, south-central United States. Nursing shortages and the current emphasis on quality are factors that make recruitment and retention of nurses important to healthcare organizations. Organizational support for bed side decision making can improve staff nurse satisfaction, thereby facilitating recruitment and retention of nursing staff. Work based action learning training programs are a mechanism to improve team members' use of shared leadership and decision making. A review of literature yielded few studies of work based action training programs within the field of nursing using a formalized evaluation mechanism such as Kirkpatrick's four levels of training evaluation. The study involved testing before and after sessions of a work based action learning training program on shared leadership with members of nursing unit-based teams. The self-designed instrument measured team dynamic knowledge, use of shared leadership behaviors, and engagement. Results of the repeated measures ANOVA indicated the training program was successful. Post hoc comparison revealed the changes were the result of the 8 hour training session rather than the result of coaching or reflection. Recommendations for future research include replication with a larger sample, a control group, formalized coaching procedures, and a longer intervention and data collection period.