Nursing: Transformational Leadership

As a motivated workforce and role model in the dynamic and rapid changing of health care system, leadership skill is one of the most important competencies of advanced practice nurse (APN). This skill should be taught, practiced, nurtured and enhanced during APN education more than ever before. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) state that nurses are important full partners and leaders in the transformation of health care (Hamric, Hanson, Tracy, & O’Grady, 2014). According to Hamric et. al (2014), nurses should take on more leadership roles to have their voices heard. APNs not only have a stake in these efforts, but also have the clinical expertise and leadership that can ensure success (Hamric et. al, 2014). This paper aims to examine the

In today’s healthcare system, effective leadership is essential to improving and reaching organizational outcomes. A leader is someone with the ability to influence others but, an effective leader uses positive strategies to inspire employees to work towards the same goal. Leadership in nursing requires a constant effort to motivate others to become part of the organizational transformation. This can be achieved using a transformational leadership style with a focus on communication, motivation, and empowerment.

The healthcare industry is an ever changing system in which there is constant pressure for it to provide quality care while maintaining rising cost. The pressure exerted on a healthcare system is exemplified by managed healthcare. This type of care involves integrating and comprehensive systems of health care providers, insurance, companies and government programs. University Hospital is a very large teaching hospital which scores well on accreditation tests and is known for its high quality level of care. Like all hospitals, they need to work on improving their financial situation. In order to alleviate financial stress, the hospital has taken on a “differentiated nursing practice” which has registered nurses as care

The intent of a leader is to implement change, instill inspiration, orchestrate collaboration, and empower their followers to go beyond their limitations. Nurses are leaders who strive to improve the overall quality of patient care by leading those around them to participate in the vision of the corporation. He or she must be fully aware of the organization’s philosophy, clearly state its expectations, and possess the ability to develop well-versed and quality leaders (Tinkham, 2013). Every health care organization possesses a vision, a mission statement, and core values that every member functioning under that union must adhere to. Goals, achievements, and adjustments are essential to ensuring that the vision of the organization is being met and evaluated for positive outcomes. However, getting workers to believe and abide by the vision of the facility calls for effective and stimulating leaders. According to Schwartz, Spencer, Wilson, and Woods (2011), “Success in the workplace often is contingent on a leader’s ability to effect positive change and inspire others to higher levels of achievement” (p. 737).

Discuss how a different form of leadership may have impacted the case, either positively or negatively.

As with other aspects of healthcare, the leadership theories that guide much of the nursing profession today were influenced by leadership theories of the past. As explored by Marquis and Huston (2015), many aspects of nursing leadership have shifted from an autocratic style to one focused on relationships. Combining the early leadership skills and beliefs that centered on obtaining knowledge, power, and control with the more contemporary leadership skills found in servant and authentic leadership designs focused on communication, cooperation and shared knowledge, the 21st-century nurse leader has the opportunity to utilize the most appropriate leadership skill for the occasion (Marquis & Hudson, 2015). When a national disaster or catastrophic event occurs, the autocratic leadership style may best fit the scenario

John F. Kennedy once stated, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other” (The Quotations Page, 1994-2012). Having said this, partnership is the key to convey cohesive leadership promoting growth from each professional’s knowledge allowing new provisions to evolve. In order for this remodeling process to offer an improved end point in the health care system, it is necessary for nurses to rise to the magnitude that is awaiting them. The nursing profession is the largest division of health care personnel, contributing to more than 3 million members (National Research Council, 2011, p. 23). The nursing provisions, recommended by the Committee, are within reach if nurses fulfill their potential as primary providers, which requires a continuation of

A pattern of personal success begins with a plan. Planning is, in fact, one of the core principles of leadership in any field. In Principle-Centered Leadership, Stephen Covey (1992) states, "careful planning helps us maintain a sense of perspective, purpose, and ordered priorities," (p. 77). Without perspective, purpose, and ordered priorities, one can become distracted, discouraged, and dismayed when their goals have yet to be met. Covey's flagship book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People includes several references to the importance of planning. In fact, several of the Seven Habits are related to the importance of planning and strategizing for success. The first set of habits is related to self-mastery and independence. Cultivating self-mastery and independence requires three core habits, according to Covey: being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and putting first things first. A personal and professional development plan hinges on these three habits of highly successful people.

Witnessing the communication among the: interdisciplinary team, HCP, Nurse Practitioners, Lab technicians, and others was great. Every time the patient or family member requested to speak to the HCP, my nurse would page the HCP through the computer and the HCP would be calling or showing up to the patient’s bedside. If my nurse questioned an order and began to be concerned, she would contact the HCP, and await confirmation by the HCP to provide reassurance regarding any concern. As a nurse, you provide comfort and answer any question the patient asks to relieve their anxiety. My nurse did an exemplary job. Every question the patient or family member had, she answered it with the correct information and eased their concerns. My communication style impacted in my own way during my assessment. I was able to communicate with the patient and ask the reason he was admitted into the hospital. At first, he was startled as to why I was doing my assessment and the questions I asked towards him. He then began to be more outspoken as I gained his trust. I believe that all the organized foundation the interdisciplinary team offers facilitates the quality of care toward the patient. I believe there’s always room for improvement. As for myself, and my own professional self-development, I believe I can improve in being more confident when I ask questions towards my patients. All in

The patient was engaged during the preparation, even though she was unable to see. During the procedure, I watched as Caitlin continued to narrate the steps happening and distract through conversation and a “guessing game” of what movie she just watched/listened to. The mom actively engaged the patient in the distraction/diversion and was attentive and calm throughout the procedure. I think that the mother truly helped to calm the patient’s anxieties and stress. This patient displayed an emotion-based (or avoidant) coping style, as evidenced when Caitlin said, “I can show you or let you feel the arm straw,” she immediately responded, “I don’t want to.” The patient stayed still but was seeking reassurance throughout the procedure, as evidenced by saying, “Is it almost done?” After the procedure was completed, Caitlin encouraged parental involvement again, and although the patient was 6-years-old got the patient back to her parents as quickly as possible to encourage family-centered care. The patient slightly opened her eyes and began to display anxiety when looking at the IV and her arm pillow. Caitlin quickly clarified any misconceptions and re-explained the arm straw. For the circumstances, I think that this preparation and the procedural support were both successful. Of course, there were things that both Caitlin and I wish that we could have changed in the situation (i.e.,

Since 2005, nursing has been ranked the most trustworthy profession. Nursing is more than providing care and comfort. In the 21st century, nurses have added client advocacy, educator and manager to the many faces of our profession.

I knew that I wished to be a nurse towards the end of my time in high school. While I enjoy the opportunity to help people I found that nursing is heavily based in scientific and system theory. Many years ago as a young lieutenant I attended a leadership breakfast with the Air Force Chief of the Nurse Corps. Over the course of the breakfast she opened the discussion up to our questions. I was pursuing my Clinical Nurse Leader Master’s degree and I asked her why the Air Force had chosen to focus on the Clinical Nurse Specialist track. Her response was that nursing was still considered a job or a trade; rather than a profession, in large part due to the varied educational tracks. My encounter with Major General Siniscalchi and continuing

When working with the public the healthcare provider should ignore preconceived notions of a patient and should learn the underlying factors, for example getting a better understanding if the patient is educated on the topic or if the patient can afford a treatment. Many times, patients aren’t resistant to care it is because of an underlying factor that presents as a barrier. During this experience, I felt many patients who came to at the clinic on this day had come into get treated for symptoms they had and further preventive education should have been provided, so the patients wouldn’t have repeat visits. However, I felt the Doctor and Registered Nurse presented as caring, provided the patients with education about their current situation, and gave them options. In the future, I’d want to investigate more into the patient’s barriers, empower them, would take more time informing the patients about resources and would work on my communication, as well as nonverbal communication skills. Many things get lost in translation, so I’d want to keep things simpler terms so the full message could get relayed properly and so the patients receive competent and quality

Nursing leaders must have the ability to create an organizational environment of caring, dignity and respect for all. According to Dunham-Taylor(2015), nursing leaders must be visionaries with a sense of purpose (Dunham-Taylor, 2015). As visionaries, nursing leaders must have the ability to communicate potential barriers to change and obtain ideas for improvement, properly communicate the rationale behind new organizational changes and engage the employees in spreading the organizational vision (Dunham-Taylor, 2015). Nursing leaders must model the way by exhibiting role modeling behaviors that are expected of all, engaging employees in team-based decisions, so they can become agents of change. Nursing leaders must be able to challenge

The impact of the Affordable Care Act has had a direct effect on tackling barriers that are deterring quality of care. Healthcare providers are now looking at the existing ways of delivering care and improve the system. Nurses, being the largest group of healthcare providers, has begun to assess and change how care is delivered. This change has begun to alter the methods of teaching and curriculum development. Transformation is a complex process that includes redesigning of the current clinical education model that provides nursing students with learning experiences in a patient-centered environment (Halstead, 2012).