After viewing the Module material, you should have gained further insight into the value and meaning of leadership in Nursing. Answer the following questions using the rubric provided, then discuss with a minimum of 2 peers to further develop ideas on leadership in Nursing. (10 points)
- What does “Nursing Leadership” mean to you, and how did the meaning change (or stay the same) after viewing the Module content?
- Describe the Leadership behaviors you have observed in yourself and/or colleagues. Could a behavior be modified to create a more effective leadership strategy?
Nursing leadership consists of nurses who are able to recognize others unique strengths and weaknesses; build on the strengths, and encourage development to offset weaknesses. I agree that “leadership” and “management” are two completely different entities, and often and incorrectly used interchangeable. A true leader does not hold authority from a title, an appointment, or administrative support; but rather they are viewed as leaders by their colleagues.
However, I disagree that the prooper way todeveloop leaders is through increased formal education. The best nurses- and nurse leaders- I ever had the privilege of working with were graduates of the now bygone hospital based diploma education. While they may not have been able to discuss theory, or broader humanities, they were excellent clinicians, willing to share their vast wealth of knowledge with others, and instinctively knew what it took to provided excellent, patient focused, holistic care. I find it ironic that health care institutions have instituted “programs” designed to do these very same things, yet fail to realize that their focus on certifications, and higher education have led to the demise of generations of bedside trained nurses who provided the same thing they now strive for.
While it is possible to modify behavior to create a leadership environment vs a management environment, as long as administration persist in confusing the two, and demand their “leaders” i.e. managers focus on budgets, schedules, and policies; rather than developing each team members unique abilities,, nursing will continue to be management heavy and leadership short.
My current position is the perfect “leadership” position. While it technically falls under nursing administration, and is considered lateral to the nursing supervisor, we don’t focus on the typical “paperwork” or management side. Our role in rapid response is to serve as a resource for the staff members. We are available to answer patient specific questions from the staff, assist in managing patients with acute changes, and institute stroke and sepsis alerts when appropriate.
I agree that the diploma nurses were excellent clinicians. Their knowledge of caring for the patient is something that is lost today. I enjoyed working with a diploma nurse for several years. She shared her knowledge with the new grads and those of us who had been in nursing for several years. I am glad she was able to share her knowledge and experiences with me.
Mitchell Wood
1. What does “Nursing Leadership” mean to you, and how did the meaning change (or stay the same) after viewing the Module content?
I believe nursing leadership refers to someone who poses a particular set of traits and skills. This someone should be empathetic, determined, motivated, compassionate, courageous, inventive, problem-solver, ability to think outside of the box, and someone of high integrity. The module content helped to confirm my views on nursing leadership, but gave me a chance to reflect and dive a little deeper into my thoughts and ideas about what it takes to be a true leader.
2. Describe the Leadership behaviors you have observed in yourself and/or colleagues. Could a behavior be modified to create a more effective leadership strategy
A previous supervisor I had utilized an autocratic leadership style. This style of leadership led to a lot of tension and discouraged employees. The supervisor would never consider the ideas and views from the other employees, which left them feeling angry and like they were unimportant. I personally have used a more democratic leadership style since iv’e started my new position as the hospital’s house supervisor. I try to encourage my staff to express their ideas and concerns with me, so we can have the chance to discuss them openly and utilize their input. So far, this style of leadership has had positive outcomes with my staff. They have expressed their gratitude by thanking me on several occasions for valuing their input and taking the time to listen.
What does leadership in nursing mean to me? Well, to me leaders show great knowledge, and have confidence. They are the ones you turn to when you need help. You almost gravitate towards these individuals. You look up to them and learn from them. I couldn’t agree more with the text when it states, “A major point is that leadership is not necessarily linked to a position of authority.” (Nursing Leadership from the Outside In, 2013). Although, generally when people think ‘leader’ they think management. We like to believe that all of the people in management positions are great leaders. . . this is not always the case.
After reading the text my thoughts on leadership have basically stayed the same. I agree there are different leadership styles, and all can be effective.
I have seen some leadership qualities in myself when I worked as the charge nurse in a NFMH (nursing facility for mental health). I was the one everyone turned to. I had confidence and was knowledgeable in my field. In the hospital setting, and on my current unit I don’t feel as though I am a leader. I feel as though I am still learning things (after all I have only been there for 3 years and I truly learn new things all of the time). I am a leader to the students or techs I suppose. When I think of those who I work with and I think of a leader. . . it isn’t the charge nurse. It is a few girls from the floor. Some of these ladies have been there for 15+ years. They are the ones you want to be there when stuff hits the fan. The charge nurse is great for resources, but two out of three of them – when they are there I would rather ask someone else for help. This is unfortunate. We do have an amazing nurse manager though. She has stepped in when we were short staffed and even has delivered a baby in her ‘nice’ business casual clothing. She is new to this position. She was a floor nurse, then charge nurse, and now nurse manager, and they couldn’t have chosen a better person for the job.
Do I think a behavior can be modified for more effectiveness? Well, I don’t really know. I do feel as though some behaviors are learned, and maybe inside everyone there is a leader. I also believe that not every personality has leadership qualities.
References
(2005). In E. Rigolosi, Management and Leadership in Nursing and Health Care. Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu/lib/fhsu/reader.action?docID=423601&ppg=103&tm=1493150376735
(2013). In J. Fitzpatrick, & G. Glazer, Nursing Leadership from the Outside In. Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu/lib/fhsu/reader.action?docID=1179230&ppg=22&tm=1493145792170
Hello,
I agree with you that people usually think of leaders as managers, however that is not the case. I think that anyone who wants to be a leader can be. I also look to those nurses who have been there for awhile as my leaders, more so often than our charge nurses. They have the most experience and knowledge on the unit. Great post! 🙂
Maggie
1. Nursing leadership is to me a person who takes the good of the whole unit into consideration when making decisions, is willing to listen to the other people around them when making decisions, but if an important decision has to be made then they make the decision. A good nursing leader will uplift and encourage their team and make them feel like they are a part of a team. A good nursing leader will also advocate for the patients as needed and educate/mentor other nurses around them. My view of a nursing leader did not change after reading the content, but it made me aware of the different styles of leadership and the difference between leadership and management.
2. Leadership examples that I see around me are of my nursing manager and our shift supervisor. Our nursing manager has more of a democratic style of leadership. She will listen to the nurses under her and encourage them. When you have a problem and a solution she will listen to both and if the solution is reasonable, she will implement it. Unfortunately, our nursing manager isn’t around a lot of the time and we see our shift supervisor more often. The shift supervisor has more of an autocratic leadership style. In some cases this can be a good thing to be, but she rarely listens to you when you have a problem and if you come up with a solution she “doesn’t think it will be feasible to do”. She has said to people that she “has a masters degree and doesn’t need them telling her how to do her job” when she is approached with a suggestion of something that should be done at the moment (ie. like finding another CNA when our only CNA is overloaded). Lately our unit has become a hodge-podge unit of patients that are of different specialties. We have surgical patients, antepartum, medical and postpartum NICU moms on our unit. I take care of only antepartum and postpartum patients. That is what I have been hired and trained to take care of as well as the other antepartum nurses on our floor. The shift supervisor has been assigning patients to us that are outside of our specialty/comfort zone. For example one of the nurses was assigned a male patient with an infection. She has not been trained to take medical patients and really didn’t feel comfortable taking a medical patient. When she questioned the shift supervisor about it, she was told “You are an RN, you should be able to take this patient.” She ended up calling “Safe Harbor” so that if something happened during the shift her license wouldn’t be in jeopardy. I feel like if the shift supervisor listened to us more that she would understand that many of us have never taken care of adult medical patients. We take care of women pregnant patients whose problem lists are usually fairly short and so are their lists of medications. Having patients with a lot of comorbidities isn’t something that we feel comfortable with. So to support the nurses under her, she should be at least mentoring and educating us and listening to our wants and needs. The shift supervisor has never worked in OB or antepartum and has no idea what we do or how we take care of our patients. As it is, many of the nurses on the floor are considering transferring to another department or hospital.
References:
Nursing Leadership from the Outside In, edited by Joyce Fitzpatrick, and Greer Glazer, Springer Publishing Company, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu/lib/fhsu/detail.action?docID=1179230.
Rigolosi, Elaine La Monica, EdD, JD, FAAN. Management and Leadership in Nursing and Health Care : An Experiential Approach, 2nd Edition, Springer Publishing Company, 2005. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu/lib/fhsu/detail.action?docID=423601.
Hi Suzanne,
I agree with your definition of nursing leadership. Team playing, advocating, and educating is a major part of having good nurse leadership. My nurse manager also has a more democratic leadership style. Do you work nights? Is that why she isn’t around as much? I work nights so I don’t see mine often and also see the night nursing supervisors more often. I would say too that our supervisors follow more of an autocratic leadership style. We have the same problem at times with inappropriate admits and the supervisors aren’t as willing to help us for some reason. I think that maybe they need to work a night on the floor to see what we have to deal with and then maybe they would understand. 🙂 Good post!
Maggie
I’m not sure if this posted correctly on Jan 19, so I’ve made a second post. Thanks for your patience.
1. What does “Nursing Leadership” mean to you, and how did the meaning change (or stay the same) after viewing the Module content?
According to Rigolosi, “leadership is using communication processes to influence the activities. . . toward the attainment of a goal or goals in a unique and given situation” (2005). Communication is a key skill of an effective nurse leader, but it is not the only skill required. In my opinion, nurse leaders must be capable of building trust by being honest, giving support to patients and staff, showing compassion, and providing educational opportunities when professional growth is necessary. My opinions were both validated and expanded after reading the course content. I appreciated the opportunity to learn Fitzpatrick and Glazer’s four keys of effective leaders, particularly that “leadership is not rank, title, privileges, or money. . . . Leadership is responsibility” (2013).
2. Describe the Leadership behaviors you have observed in yourself and/or colleagues. Could a behavior be modified to create a more effective leadership strategy?
My leadership style echoes the statement by Rigolosi that “each leadership style can be appropriate, depending on the situation” (2005). After reading the material I recognize I utilize a different leadership style as I see fit for a given situation. I utilize a democratic leadership style during patient education. Patients express their appreciation and can verbalize understanding of education when they are partners in the discussion about their health. To the contrary, an autocratic style is necessary when delegation is necessary, particularly in emergent situations.
Fitzpatrick, J., & Glazer, G. (2013). Nursing leadership from
the outside in. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-
proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
Rigolosi, E. (2005). Management and leadership in nursing and
health care: An experiential approach (2nd ed.). Retrieved
from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
1. What does “Nursing Leadership” mean to you, and how did the meaning change (or stay the same) after viewing the Module content?
To me, nursing leadership is having that leader who is a role model to other nurses. A nurse leader is not only there for their fellow nurses but for their patients. I feel like normally people just think of their boss as the leader, but really anyone can be a leader. You can lead by example. Just by being a good, kind, patient nurse and offering help to fellow nurses who seem to be overwhelmed can be ways of leading by example. I agree with our reading where Michael F. Collin described a nurse leader as someone who is a patient advocate and focuses on patient needs, is an indispensable team member, a mentor, and a teacher (Fitzpatrick & Glazer, 2013, p. 43). I would say the meaning changed some for me because it made me think more in depth about exactly what nursing leadership is. Before reading the texts, I kind of just thought of the nurse managers/supervisors and charge nurses as the leaders at my work but they aren’t the only ones that can be leaders!
2. Describe the Leadership behaviors you have observed in yourself and/or colleagues. Could a behavior be modified to create a more effective leadership strategy?
I feel that where I work they try to use the democratic leadership style. If something needs to be changed or fixed, we have a meeting to discuss together what can be done to better things for our patients and staff. I have a great nurse manager who portrays all the qualities a good nursing leader should have, however, working nights and not seeing her much we don’t have a lot of leadership at night. The majority of the time I feel like I’m on my own while I’m at work. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of teamwork on night shifts on my unit. There are times I’m swamped or someone else is swamped and I know the other nurses/CNAs see this but they don’t offer any help. So I do think a behavior can be modified to create a more effective leadership strategy. If I see someone who needs help, I offer, and hopefully if others see this maybe they will see it and start doing it also.
Reference: Fitzpatrick, J., & Glazer, G. (Eds.). (2013). Nursing leadership from the outside in. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
To me leadership means a person whom takes in consideration others and their concerns, being proactive and empowering to grow as an individual and professionally as a nurse. Empowerment is a powerful tool that a leader holds and can attribute into many positive outcomes. It means more than just leading, or being a role model for others, but having the courage to stand up for their beliefs and advocating for their co-workers, patients and themselves. Leadership means to whole heartily believe that a change can happen by taking that first step and allow others to follow to make a difference together. My grandma used to always say, “practice what you preach,” which is true because at times we are told what we need to do by someone whom does not do it themselves. Also, a leader must maintain equality among everyone which is a crucial aspect of nursing leadership, in my opinion. After viewing the module content, the meaning of nursing leadership changed in a few aspects. One, I use to believe at one point leaders were considered the “favorites.” It was that person who can do it all perfectly that took that role of leading. Throughout the time and the content of this module the word leadership evolved. As Drucker, the father of modern management noted, “an effective leader is not someone who is loved or admired. He or she is someone whose followers do the right thing” (Fitzpatrick & Glazer, 2013, p.10). As a leader, your transforming the followers into future nursing leaders by guiding and shining that potential each person holds. Leadership can be learned and it is not a popularity contest, but an individual development through experiences. The module allowed to me differentiate between management and leadership which to me was the just a different way of saying, leader. However, both are completely different. This module was extremely helpful and I have gained new insight on nursing leadership.
The leadership behavior I have observed mostly in management positions is an autocratic leader. It seems to be more of a “do this” without listening to concerns, or giving you the cold shoulder when trying to express yourself. I have seen how barriers between staff and management have develop due to this style because of the lack of communication and trust. I have noticed different leadership styles when it comes to nurses and students during clinicals. For example, when nursing students are there some nurses take the autocratic leadership style and that can create a barrier in their learning experience. Other times, nurses take a break because the student has that patient and do not make an effort to educate or empower their learning. At times, we are not fully aware of that behavior because we are overwhelmed with tasks, however as nursing leaders I believe that we are the roots for growth in the students as they confined in us to teach them. As nurses, we hold that responsibility to educate and establish strong nursing leaders. Being able to know what leader behavior style to use in certain situations is a beneficial tool that allows behaviors to be modified and become effective leaders to make positive changes. I do believe that most behaviors can be modified to empower a stronger nursing leader if that person is willing to commit to change. Not everyone can change their behaviors, but taking the time to try can allow leadership growth.
Fitzpatrick, J., & Glazer, G. (2013). Nursing leadership from the outside in. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
Rigolosi, E. L. M. E. J. (2005). Management and leadership in nursing and health care: an experiential approach, 2nd edition. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
Unfortunately I have also seen nurses give nursing students a hard time and get in the way of their learning. While working at our local hospital there were many times, where like you mentioned, the nurses would do the minimum to help teach the nursing students and interact with them. Their attitudes were unpleasant, they wouldn’t stop to answer any questions, or sometimes even acknowledge that there were students there. I think that even though some of these nurses weren’t in leadership positions, they should have been held accountable for their behavior. It’s important for us to empower others to learn and although we can’t control the actions of others, we can start with our own behaviors and actions.
Assignment #2: Nursing Leadership Blog
Nursing Leadership to me means more than just the nurse. This means the corporation in which their employed, such as a hospital, nursing home, family practice or a prison. Nursing Leadership is more than just having a title. I believe it requires a want to better themselves by education, communication, improving patient care and the desire to mentor others. It requires the corporation to encourage staff to continue their education, improve technology and promote the health of patients. “All people in the health care system who influence others are leaders” (Rigolosi, 2005, p.83). My views are basically the same after reading our assignment. The vision to inspire others, constantly improving through education, communication, or technology.
I have seen many different Leadership behaviors in every role that I have been in. The Leadership behaviors that I see most are autocratic and democratic. I think democratic is best because of the involvement as a team. I believe that all behaviors can be improved. These improvements can happen through education, better communication, technology, mentoring and self awareness. “We can learn by example and apply the knowledge to become better leaders (Fitzpatrick & Glazer, 2013, p. 12).
References
Fitzpatrick, J., & Glazer, G. (2013). Nursing leadership from the outside in.
Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
Rigolosi, Elaine. Management and Leadership in Nursing and Health Care: An
Experimental Approach (2nd Ed), Springer Publishing Company, 2005. Retrieved
from: http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.exproxy.fhsu.edu:2048/lib/docID=423601
I agree with you when you say that a good leader maintains equality between everyone. Having favorites in a work place creates a negative feel in a work place and fosters bad feelings and moods. I have had a DON that played favorites and it makes for a very negative work environment, taking away from resident care.
It is true that leaders might not sometimes be liked but at the same time some followers will still like them. Remember it is not everyone that wants to do the right thing. So among the followers that want to do rightly a good leader will be praised
I love the word “empowering” every leader should think about “who will do it when I am not here”? some nurses don’t think about this and that is why they do not look at their followers as future leaders. In empowering others leaders also learn or aspire to learn more so as to offer more. One of the basic push for me to get my BSN to have more to give out. All my nurses are RNs or LPNs, I believe in other to better empower and teach them and I need to learn more my self.
1. When I think of nursing leadership, I see an individual who is easily approachable, calm, invests time into the staff, and is a constant support of encouragement. This leader would care for both staff and patients and would advocate for both. By using active listening, the leader would hear concerns of the staff and make rational choices to effectively communicate and not brush off minor concerns. There are three types of leadership styles: autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire. Rigolosi describes the autocratic style as firm, authoritarian, and makes unilateral decisions, the democratic style as group decision makers and delegating responsibilities to followers, and laissez-faire as having loose control over the followers (Rigolosi, 2005). I think the most effective type of leadership style is that of a democratic leader. This type of leadership includes collaborating with followers/staff to help support the best outcome for both staff and patients. I learned that certain leadership styles may be better than others in different situations. For example, in a critical situation, it would not be appropriate for a the democratic leadership style to be used because quick and time sensitive action needs to occur. This would mean that the leader would need to speak up and quickly delegate tasks for the best possible outcome.
2. Being a travel nurse, I get the opportunity to go to different hospitals and experience how their leaders operate. With this, I have seen great leadership where the manager is very in tune with the staff and the staff feel like they are able to communicate their concerns with the manager and actually be heard. This manager had a very approachable personality and was able to share both sympathy and happiness with the staff. The staff trusted the manager. If the manager saw the staff struggling on the floor, she would actually step in and help with bedside care or anything that was needed. It was by far one of the best managers that I have ever worked with. However, I have also had managers who were completely absent both physically and mentally when their staff needed them. The staff would often complain about this manager and they did not trust her. This manager was not a leader. She did the bare minimum that her role required and that was all. It was very difficult for the staff and it lead to a breakdown of the teamwork of the staff as well because they were not being appropriately lead. I think that this behavior could be modified into a more effective leadership approach with coaching and education.
Rigolosi, E. L. M. E. J. (2005). Management and leadership in nursing and health care : an experiential approach, 2nd edition. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
I do like the democratic leadership style, but I also agree that sometimes it’s necessary to take a more autocratic approach when the time calls for it. Not every decision needs group consensus. Just depends on the situation.
I agree with you that the democratic leadership style is the best! A good leader has control of the group, but takes in ideas and considerations of the group as well. A good leader is one that is approachable as you mentioned.
I also believe that the democratic leadership style is the most effective. The practice manager at a facility where I used to work used this type of leadership style and it was a great work environment. She always asked for employee opinions and feedback before making changes and she always made us feel valued and supported. She genuinely cared about us as employees and was very approachable. I’ve also experienced autocratic leadership and in my opinion, this type of style reflects on the employee’s attitude toward the job and the quality of their work.
What does “Nursing Leadership” mean to you, and how did the meaning change (or stay the same) after viewing the Module content? In my opinion, nursing leadership is a position in which a person has the responsibility to guide others and lead by example as to what is expected. A leader serves as a guide, mentor, and resource to others when they are in need of help. Leaders help others meet goals and hold people accountable for their actions. After reading the module content my definition of nursing leadership remained the same for the most part. As stated in the text, “the definition of leadership is using communication processes to influence the activities of an individual or of a group toward the attainment of a goal or goals in a unique and given situation” (Rigolosi, 2005, pg. 82).
Describe the Leadership behaviors you have observed in yourself and/or colleagues. Could a behavior be modified to create a more effective leadership strategy? Some of the leadership behaviors that I have observed in my colleagues include a very relaxed and calm attitude towards how things are structured and ran. For example in the nursing home where I work, the DON could be classified as a laissez-faire type of leader. Although she is very well liked, things don’t always get done as they should and people call in all the time or show up late since there is never any consequences. I think the lenient behavior could be modified to help create a more effective leadership strategy. If she enforced rules on employees and made sure things were done right it would create a better work environment for all of us.
References
Rigolosi, E. L. M. E. J. (2005). Management and leadership in nursing and health care: and experiential approach, 2nd edition. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com
A leader is a guide, mentor, and a resource to all of their staff. A leader sets goals that are attainable for their staff and helps the staff set attainable goals for themselves. I agree that communication is needed for a successful leader.
I agree that a leader should be a resource, a leader should continue to seek improvement in knowledge and skills.
1. “Nursing Leadership” to me is a nurse who influences the behaviors, actions, and emotions of an individual and/or group in a positive direction by using effective means of communication both verbal (words) and/or non-verbal (action), as well as other character traits, in a manner than generates trust and respect of those they continue to influence. My definition has significantly changed in the past six months. Last semester I completed a Wichita State University, Care of Populations, Badge Course, on Leadership. It was a continuing education requirement for work. Through this course we covered much of the same material covered in Module 1. (It was a nice refresher.) Through the content assigned, I would have to say my definition of “Nurse Leadership” has drastically changed. Before, I identified leadership as management. But, through Module 1 and the WSU course, I now identify myself as a leader that influences those around me and I now closely examine my verbal and non-verbal everyday practices being cognizant of the character traits and elements of leadership as defined in the text and how I want to be preserved as a leader.
2. For the second question, I have chosen to discuss the leadership behaviors I have observed in my latest nursing supervisor. I have chosen her, not only because she was the first to come to mind, but also because I believe I can explain a scenario where she has exhibited the three common labels for leader behavior: autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire. I will begin with laissez-faire. She allows flexibility and freedom in our schedules. Each nurse has their own schedule and we are allowed to manage our own schedules. We are able to move our lunch time to any time of the day, thus providing staff with the ability to use our lunch time for personal appointments, leave early for a child event, etc. Thus, she allows flexibility and freedom in our work schedules. As far as democratic style is concerned, in our staff meetings, she is always asking for our input on topics discussed in their weekly supervisor meetings, involves us in the decision-making process, and gives us responsibilities in tackling the goals. As far as autocratic style is concerned, she implemented changes in the dress code policy and implemented changes in the reminder/recall process. Thus, I believe she is a perfect example of a nurse leader who adapts to the situation and knows when to apply a particular leadership style and I do not believe any modifications to create a more effective leadership strategy are needed. She is a great mentor.
References:
Fitzpatrick, J., & Glazer, G. (2013). Nursing leadership from the outside in. New York, NY: Springer Pub. Co.
Rigolosi, E. (2005). Management and leadership in nursing and health care: An experiential approach (2nd ed.).
Kayla it is good that you bring this behaviors autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire out in one person. I think that all leaders should operate in all this styles depending on the situation at hand.
1 What does “Nursing Leadership” mean to me and how did the meaning change or stay the same after viewing the module content?
Sashkin and Sashkin (2003) synthesized the work of leadership scholars to identify eight key elements of leadership: communication, trust, caring, creating opportunities, self-confidence, empowerment of others, vision, and organizational content. Fitzpatrick and Glazer state that effective leaders are caring, self-confident people who have effectively communicate a vision to followers who plan together how to make the vision a reality by developing trust and empowering others and by creating opportunities for change for the best throughout an organization. Leaders transform followers into leaders, they are visible and set examples.
2 Describe the leadership behaviors you have observed in yourself and/or colleagues. Could a behavior be modified to create a more effective leadership strategy.
My manager’s style of leadership is that of a democratic style. She has an open-door policy and is approachable. She doesn’t want to hear complaints without a possible solution. She is always visible and walks around on the unit to check on things. When things are crazy and our charge nurse has to take a team or help out, our manager will step into the charge nurse role and assist in anything she can. I appreciate a nurse manager that will listen to her nurses, is honest with them, and truly cares about her staff. I also have the experience of having a nurse manager/director that wasn’t honest with her nurses. She would tell the nurses one thing and she wouldn’t follow through with it or we would find out things from the charge nurses or the staffing supervisor. She was non-confrontational. She would help with labor patients or catching babies, but wasn’t always visible. She would play favorites and you didn’t want to get on her bad side, because wouldn’t speak to you. She was a difficult manager to work for at-times. I believe that some leadership styles are needed at certain times and situations.
Fitzpatrick, J., & Glazer, G. (2013). Nursing leadership from
the outside in. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-
proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
Rigolosi, E. (2005). Management and leadership in nursing and
health care: An experiential approach (2nd ed.). Retrieved
from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu
It is so true that leaders transform followers into leaders! True leaders want to see you succeed!
I think some leaders are not good example probably because the word leadership is been confuse with management.
https://youtu.be/6kwaO7_eRcc
I did my Nursing Leadership blog differently, but I had already created the video and after the multiple educational lessons from 10 year olds on how to make videos I am submitting that for my blog.
1. Nursing leadership to me, means having a strong set of leaders with different skill sets to not only do what’s best for the organization, but to do what’s best for nursing. It takes special people to be able to find that balance in helping the organization meet the bottom line and to make nurses happy.
Being in a leadership role takes guts, and the video that we watched, “Being the First Nut” really struck a chord within. A lot of times its easier to maintain the status quo and not make any waves for fear of being ostracized or ridiculed. Leaders emerge when those who have that drive to elicit change step out and bravely accept that challenge.
There are many leadership styles, and I like the way that the readings categorized leaders according to their leadership qualities. An effective and resilient leader can adjust her/his style according to the situation at hand. They also have a certain quality that makes them stand out. “Charismatic leaders produce an electricity in an organization and between and among members of the people they lead (Rigolosi, 2005).”
My view of nursing leadership remains the same. I look for leaders that are strong, yet flexible, and can lead by example. I appreciate when leadership has served in the trenches and can appreciate what we go through on a day-to-day basis. It makes their decisions more legitimate knowing that they have that shared perspective.
2. I believe that most of us have the capacity to serve in a leadership position if given the opportunity. Leadership does not necessarily mean being in a management position, but by striving to do what’s best for our patients and team allows us to stand out. I work in the critical care setting and I find that being a strong patient advocate and fighting for what’s right for the patient and within my unit has allowed me to stand out as a leader among my peers. I do believe that behavior can be modified to according to the situation at hand. You have to be flexible to adjust to what’s going on. That’s not only in a work environment, but in life in general.
Reference:
Rigolosi, Elaine La Monica, EdD, JD, FAAN. Management and Leadership in Nursing and Health Care, edited by Elaine La Monica, EdD, JD, FAAN Rigolosi, Springer Publishing Company, 2005. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu:2048/lib/fhsu/detail.action?docID=423601.
Nursing leadership for me, isn’t about just sitting in an office and processing paperwork, and essentially “bossing” your staff around. I believe that nurses in a position of leadership or administration should continue to exhibit those same caring and patient driven characteristics that we learned from day 1. After reading the module content, it really gave me more insight into what it truly means to be a nurse leader. I loved how the article states that nurses who are in a position of leadership should continue to be an advocate for their patients. We should always make time to care for those in need regardless of our status. As always, focusing on the patient needs should be our #1 priority. As nurse leaders we should “lead” our staff and be at the forefront for our staff. I believe that as leaders we should help develop our staff and continuously help them in any situation. I feel it is also important to include staff in decisions, continue to build that team work. The eight key elements presented by Sashkin and Sashkin really resonated with me because the 8 key elements are qualities that I believe a good leader should posses. When you have good leadership you tend to retain your staff. I have heard the saying all too often that people don’t usually leave the “job” itself, but rather they are leaving because of leadership and management.
I will be the first to admit but I am not one to “jump” in first and become the leader. For me, leadership is something that is continuously developing for me and this is something that I am striving for professionally in my career and have decided to take the path of a leadership role with nursing. After reading these articles, it inspired me and really lit a fire in me to take these key characteristics of a leader to heart that were mentioned several times and continue to develop them within myself. I believe that I do possess a few of them, but there is definitely work to be done within myself to develop these skills. Learning these skills through these courses has me very excited for what is to come this final semester of my BSN and gets me more excited and eager to learn more through higher education in leadership.