Nursing Capstone Experience

Introduction Nursing leadership of an undergraduate student is gained through observed leadership and management and through their education. (Curtis, Vries, & Sheerin, 2011) Within my education, I was taught what ideal leadership may be visualized as, but within healthcare that may change on a day to day basis. One cannot be taught all possible situations in the nursing field, and a capstone clinical experience may open our eyes to a fraction of the situations. On the job site and in the field, leadership may be taught and learned. (Curtis, Vries, & Sheerin, 2011)

Observed Leadership The leadership I have observed throughout my capstone experience is endless. Every day there are opportunities for a member of the clinical team to take

Every nurse has the training and capability of being charge nurse on any shift. Being the charge nurse, one has the responsibility to oversee and guide both medical surgical units throughout the shift and ease transitioning of patients from onto the floor to discharge. Management positions on the medical surgical unit of the VA also represent transformational leadership by always being willing to help with patient care on the unit. Every morning, afternoon, and night there is a group huddle that is guided by management to ensure a high-quality workplace and impeccable patient

Without delegation, all tasks would not be completed in a timely matter; something essential in the health care field. With delegation comes responsibility and I have witnessed a great deal of ownership during delegating tasks. It is critical that the nurse is able to recognize which tasks are able to be delegated and which tasks are for licensed staff. (Taylor, 2011) Where I was able to see delegation at its best in the VA facility is in the instance of provider orders for ambulation. The nursing staff can trust fully that the nursing assistant is able to assist in patient ambulation. The nurse’s role after this task is to be done is to check with unlicensed assistive personnel and the patient to ensure completion. This instance happened frequently during my capstone experience. My nursing preceptor was always guaranteeing patient care was up to par and all duties were followed through with.