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 means someone who has the ability to manage many things in their careers.  Leaders are approachable, able to communicate effectively and motivate their teammates to do well. Nursing leaders don’t necessarily have to be in a charge position, however most view leaders as authoritarians.  I have always viewed leaders as people in charge. After viewing the module however, I understand that with the change in nursing that there is an expectation for all nurses to be leaders in the future.  Not necessarily in positions of authority, but in any position they work. “Nurses are expected to practice at the full extent of their education.” (Glazer, Fitzpatrick, 2013). I see a change in the meaning of what nursing leadership means to the future as nursing becomes more complex and diverse we will all be expected to enhance our education and practice as 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?

Having worked in healthcare since 1994 I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from many different leaders over the years.  Some leaders have been better than others, but I always learn something from them weather it’s what not to do or how I can improve myself.  I always take something away and have many fond memories of some great nurses that I have worked with.  I believe that good leaders see the potential in others and encourage others to be good leaders.  One nurse leader I had always told me I should be an RN.  She pushed me and believed in me when I wasn’t sure that I could do it.  I will never forget her and will be grateful for her for the rest of my career. I had another nurse leader I worked with that was just as memorable.  She had an incredible work ethic and would help wherever needed in the workplace.  By doing this she set a great example of what was expected of each of us. She always had a positive attitude and was very approachable.  I believe that these are behaviors that make for a great nurse leader.

As for leadership behavior in myself, I haven’t really thought about it until this week by starting this class.  However, today I got notification that I was nominated for the Nurse of the Year award. I didn’t win, but this is such an honor and I didn’t expect it.  So it got me to thinking about how much I have been growing as a nurse over the last few years.  I have taken what I have learned over the years from some great leaders and use it in my practice.  I am looking forward to continuing to grow as a nurse and be a better leader.

References

Fitzpatrick, J., Glazer, G. (Eds.). (2013). Nursing leadership from the outside in.  Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com