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Leadership Characteristics Whether it is in healthcare or in a corporate office, leadership is about having a vision and making it into a reality (Parker & Hyrask, 2011). In healthcare with all the changes that are constantly happening it is imperative that our leaders in nursing continue to evolve and continue to prioritize in their nursing units. To continue to embrace your career as a nurse leader it is essential to always make sure they have professional development and continue to provide great care for all their patients (Parker & Hyrask, 2011). This all needs to be done while they lead their staff and continue to have fiscal responsibility. To be a leader in the nursing field one must possess certain characteristics such as assertiveness …show more content…
and self- confidence (Parker & Hyrask, 2011). However, my vision of a nurse leader is one who has the following attributes: flexibility, trustworthiness and courage. Flexibility is an important characteristic of a nurse leader in any aspect of the nursing field. The nursing world is constantly changing; some of these changes or challenges are not always welcomed by the nursing staff (Parker & Hyrask, 2011). The attitude and flexibility of the nurse leader will set the tone for the attitude of the rest of the nursing unit. One of the greatest challenges in many nursing units is the shortage of nurses facing each individual units. As a leader showing you have flexibility to lead but also to join in the direct patient care with your fellow nurses shows great flexibility and leadership (Parker & Hyrask, 2011). This opportunity offers the nurse leader an inside look at her unit. They can then take that firsthand experience and obtain a better understanding of the units staffing needs, offering more effective clinical oversite as a leader (Parker & Hyrask, 2011). The second characteristic that a leader should possess is trustworthiness.
Within the nursing environment one thing that is certain is the constant changes in policies and procedures. It is imperative for the nurses to receive a certain level of support from their nurse leaders (Mullarkey et al., 2011). Establishing and creating human relationships is key in a well-balanced nurse leader. The transformational nurse leader is a perfect example of trustworthiness. This leadership style brings her staff together to work as a team while keeping them on track to reach the finish line (Mullarkey et al., 2011). The transformational leader honors good relationships while leading by example (Mullarkey et al., 2011). This gives staff in any healthcare setting the opportunity to trust in their nurse manager and work as a well-rounded employee (Mullarkey et al., 2011). The final and most important characteristic of a nurse leader is knowledge. As nurses we thrive on knowledge. The healthcare field changes daily, with new developments and guidelines for all different types of diseases (Linderman et al., 2015). With experience comes knowledge that can be passed on to the nurses and future nurse leaders (Linderman et al., 2015). Nurse leaders with the experience and knowledge can provide helpful direction and overview on how to face the everlasting challenges that we meet as nurses and future nurse leaders (Linderman et al.,
2015). Nurses are faced daily with so many different situations. No leadership style is perfect for every single situation (Giltinane, 2013). However, obtaining the three leadership characteristics of flexibility, trustworthiness and knowledge can progress to becoming a great leader and having the respect of your colleagues and of the patients on your unit (Gilitinane, 2013).
Whitehead, D. K., Weiss, S. A., & Tappen, R. M. (2010). Essentials of nursing leadership and
The ability to facilitate change through the use of authentic leadership is an essential competency for nurse leaders. The ability to be a visionary and inspire others, and set expectations during times of change will be essential as a leader in the future (Huston, 2008). Accountably and goals start with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and flows down through the nursing leadership to the shared governance staff level.
The authors in this article aimed to discover nurse manager leadership styles and their outcomes. Nurses from hospitals in the Northeastern part of the United States were asked questions. The data was collected in a locked room, alone, so no one would influence the answers of someone else. The results were put into a software program and displayed for analysis. Results showed when choosing a nurse for a managerial leadership role, one should choose someone if they have the basic components of transformational leadership, not transactional leadership. The authors show that transformational leadership had revealed positive patient outcomes, retention, and satisfaction in the nursing staff. Those nurse leaders who have qualities of transformational leadership are encouraged to build on those skills constantly.
According to Yoder-Wise (2011), “Leadership is the use of personal traits to constructible and ethically influence patients, families, and staff through a process in which clinical and organizational outcomes are achieved through collective efforts” (p. 612). The following paragraphs will explain components of leadership of an anonymous healthcare facility.
In healthcare it is very important to have strong leaders, especially in the nursing profession. A nurse leader typically uses several styles of leadership depending on the situation presented; this is known as situational leadership. It is important that the professional nurse choose the right style of leadership for any given situation to ensure their employees are performing at their highest potential. Depending on which leadership style a nurse leader uses, it can affect staff retention and the morale of the employees as well as nurse job satisfaction (Azaare & Gross, 2011.) “Nursing leaders have the responsibility to create and maintain a work environment which not only promotes positive patient outcomes but also positively influences teams and individual nurses” (Malloy & Penprase, 2010.) Let’s explore two different leadership styles and discuss how they can enhance or diminish the nursing process.
The article I chose to discuss for this week’s discussion is by Doody, C. & Doody, O. (2012). This article focuses on transformational leadership and its use in nursing/health care. This article draws attention to the many changes that have taken place in nursing/healthcare and how nursing theories and nursing frameworks must continue to evolve as changes are made. As nursing theories and nursing frameworks continue to advance and change, leadership styles must also continue to evolve as time progresses and as changes are made in the healthcare field. This article points out current healthcare issues and the need for strong leaders to overcome obstacles and challenges. Also, background information and a definition of transformational leadership
In healthcare profession, leadership is defined as utilization of personal characteristics and experiences to communicate effectively with the patients suffering critical health problems for which there are no specific answers and to direct health care team in developing policies to solve these problems. The nurse leader establishes relationships to encourage others to set and accomplish clinical or administrative goals. An effective leader provides guidance, use moralities to direct the process, and develop self-confidence in others (Yoder-Wise, 2010).
Nurses are uniquely qualified to fill a demand for change through leadership. Unlike business minded individuals whose primary outcome concern is monetary, a nurses’ primary concern is organic: a living, breathing, tangible being. In a leadership role, a nurse might consider an organization as if it were a grouping of patients, or perhaps an individual patient, each limb with its own characteristics and distinct concerns. They can effectively categorize and prioritize important personal and professional matters and are therefore ideally positioned to lead change efforts. Perhaps most importantly, effective nurse leaders can provide clarity to the common goal and empower others to see their self-interests served by a better common good (Yancer, 2012).
For me as a newly qualified member of staff entering into an established team I found Anne’s high morals and consistency were the basis for her providing me with a positive role model. She believed best practice was the minimum and would always ensure every patient experienced the best care possible. IIies (et al.2012) believes that managers should be role models that their followers seek to emulate. A study by Hauck,Winsett and Kuric (2012) concluded that leadership can affect nurses ability to provide evidence based care. They advocate nursing leaders need to be role models and mentors to their staff. Dang and Poe (2010, cited in Poe and White, 2010, p.23-53) outline seven core nursing leadership competencies needed to successfully implement
Marquis describes a leader as the motivation and the leading of the performance. Leader’s uniqueness and abilities are what make others to need to take after his or her way (2009 p.32). First, a leader must understand the self and others as the beginning in leading. As Kouzes and Posner stated “self-discovery and self-awareness are critical to developing the capacity to lead. And personal reflection and analysis of one’s own leadership behaviors are core components in that process” (2011, p. 13). In health care, the nursing leaders hold a vital role in inspiring, empowering, coaching, and supporting the nursing profession to engage with today 's changes in the healthcare. Importantly, the nursing leader’s priority is to advocate for the patients’ care by role modeling to the team on delivering a safe and quality care. Nursing leader who strives effectiveness in responding to challenges, will assess personal leadership style, personality traits and leadership competencies. Thus, self-reflection on leadership is the base for the
Doody, O., & Doody, C. (2012). Transformational leadership in nursing practice. British Journal of Nursing, 21(20). Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.proxy.library.ohiou.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3655bc92-b9ec-4a08-84d8-f5d3098ddfdf%40sessionmgr120&vid=17&hid=116
(Become a Nurse Leader. n.d.). A nurse leader is someone who leads by example and helps their team meet goals by empowerment and healthy work environments. Continuing my education and working on my Bachelor of Science degree will help me attain my goal later in life, of being a nurse leader. Being a nurse leader involves lifelong learning and advancement. I believe treating others how you want to be treated is a good way to be successful in leadership. Everyone makes mistakes and it is how we learn from them that makes us a better person. I will be a nurse leader that is honest and encouraging. I will use personal experiences to relate to my team. I will adopt characteristics from various leadership styles to form my own. If the situation calls for a more autocratic role such as during an emergency or code, that is the style I will use. If the democratic or transformational approach is more appropriate, then that is the style I will lean towards.
In today’s society, leadership is a common yet useful trait used in every aspect of life and how we use this trait depends on our role. What defines leadership is when someone has the capability to lead an organization or a group of people. There are many examples that display a great sense of leadership such being an educator in health, a parent to their child, or even a nurse. In the medical field, leadership is highly used among nurses, doctors, nurse managers, director of nursing, and even the vice president of patient care services. Among the many positions in the nursing field, one who is a nurse manager shows great leadership. The reason why nurse manager plays an important role in patient care is because it is known to be the most difficult position. As a nurse manager, one must deal with many patient care issues, relationships with medical staff, staff concerns, supplies, as well as maintaining work-life balance. Also, a nurse manager represents leadership by being accountable for the many responsibilities he or she holds. Furthermore, this position is a collaborative yet vital role because they provide the connection between nursing staff and higher level superiors, as well as giving direction and organization to accomplish tasks and goals. In addition, nurse managers provide nurse-patient ratios and the amount of workload nursing staff has. It is their responsibility to make sure that nursing staff is productive and well balanced between their work and personal lives.
An effective leader demonstrates the skills to effectively produce and implement rules and regulations, adapt to changes, encourage teamwork, and provide support and guidance to all members of the group. Leaders promote teamwork in order to get excellent results. They set goals and achieve them through hard work and dedication. They always listen to feedbacks, accept, and implement changes. A true leader will create an atmosphere that motivates people to work more efficiently. They are optimistic, demonstrate willpower and confidence to influence and encourage others (Haeuser & Preston, 2005). An effective leader is the backbone of every successful organization. They have skills to make the entire nursing staff to work as a team to provide excellent patient care. For an effective healthcare system especially nursing, it is important to have great leadership.
Nursing is not only a science but also an art. To be a successful nurse, one needs to take a holistic approach while having empathy, care, and knowledge to heal patients. Great nurses not only exhibit nursing theories but also exemplify qualities of a great leader. There are several leadership nursing theories that nurses can portray, such as the Great man theory, situational theory, and the transformational theory (Marquis, Huston, 2015). I believe that throughout this program, I have come to embody the theory of being both a situational leader and also a transformational nurse leader while representing Watson’s theory of caring (Potter, Perry, 2013).