Nursing Leadership Strategies

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LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES

The ability to promote structure, safety, and positive environments for both patients and colleagues alike are unique characteristics to quality leadership. Those same traits are essential to possess to have a cohesive interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers. There are various strategies that a nurse can employ to foster the collaboration of a particular team. The most influential strategy is the use of active communication, more specifically assertive communication. This type of communication is considered the healthiest because it is free from any bias. The nurse who is an assertive communicator values the whole picture as opposed to only one small piece of the equation. This approach takes into account all individuals involved, and validates the thoughts and feelings of others.

Besides assertive communication, the nurse should take a collaborative approach to conflict management. Both strategies empower individuals to work together and accomplish goals successfully (Cherry & Jacob, 2011). Considering the healthcare community is composed of such a large and diverse population, a nurse must realize that conflicts will arise, but more importantly the nurse must effectively manage those conflicts. Having an understanding of the differences which exists between varied cultures, generations, and disciplines will guide the nurse in resolving conflicts. This foundation allows the nurse to better understand how people perceive and respond to others and the environment during a time which resolution is needed. Establishing trust with ones colleagues is another step toward resolving conflicts. Team members are much more likely to be open and motivated to come to a resolution when they trus...

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...th the nurse and the patient. The nurse may feel embarrassed, which may cause a barrier for her in reporting the rupture. Providing emotional support for the nurse and reassuring her that she will not be blamed rather educated and treated as a professional is crucial to applying the characteristic of fairness. When carrying out this model, all characteristics of the Culture of Safety should be well defined and structured to allow for the best possible outcome for patients and the healthcare team.

References

Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2011). Contemporary Nursing Issues, Trends, and Management (5th ed.). [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from http://www.pageburstls.elsevier.com

Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2011). Introduction to the Culture of Safety (Educational Standards). Retrieved from IHI open school for health professions: http://www.ihi.org

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