...Introduction The nursing profession is one of the most sensitive professions and industries the world over. The nursing profession is described as sensitive because is concerns the lives of the citizenry. Though almost every profession can root its importance to the lives of humanity, nursing is actually about saving lives by promoting healthy living. It is for this reason that it is important that all factors need to be put in place to ensure professional practices in critical care and its principles in the industry are upheld. One of the most important principles and practices of critical care that need not to be tampered within the nursing profession happens to be leadership. It has been argued that “a simple definition of leadership is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal” (Ward 2011). From this definition, we immediately see how important leadership is to any professional setup, including the critical care nursing profession. This point is built around the fact that leadership as a principle and practice helps in the realization of the goals and ambitions of any professional setup. This means that with a very good leadership in place in the critical care nursing profession, the all-important goal of saving lives by promoting healthy living will be achieved. To achieve good leadership however, a lot more depends on the kind of leadership style that is in use as leadership is conducted in many different styles. Review...
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...Leadership Styles in Professional Nursing Nursing 351 November 20, 2010 Transitions to Professional Nursing Leadership Styles in Professional Nursing Leadership is a very important aspect within the realm of Nursing. With constantly evolving technology, poor economics leading to major hospital cutbacks, and healthcare reforms, strong nursing leadership has never been more important or necessary. Hood (2010) defines leadership as a process of influencing others to attain mutually agreed upon goals. We will discuss the differences between leadership and management. In addition, we will examine 2 types of leadership styles: Transactional and Transformational and address the effectiveness of both styles in achieving high quality of nursing performance. Leadership vs. Management Many people think of management and leadership as interchangeable. However, there is a stark difference between the two. In defining leadership and management, the one crucial difference is that a person with leadership has the ability to persuade/influence others into following their vision and putting the needs of a group ahead of an individual’s own personal needs (McGuire & Kinnerley, 2006). Leaders have this ability to inspire by employing enthusiasm, hope, optimism, and innovative methods. Leadership does entail having some management characteristics, but lacks the positional power to bring their visions to life. Management is usually an appointed position within a company (Hood, 2010)...
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...modern healthcare setting, various types of leadership styles may be observed. Each style discussed may be viewed positively or negatively through the implementation of that style in the nursing role. An effective nurse leader may apply two or more of these styles in an appropriate situation to successfully manage the care team involved. The autocratic leadership style is demonstrated when a leader makes most decisions without reflecting input from the staff involved in the care of the patient. Adverse aspects of this leadership style include when negative reinforcement and chastisement are used to enforce rules; because knowledge is seen as power, important information may be withheld from the care team. Errors are not tolerated and blame may be placed on individuals rather than on faulty process. The positive side of this style is that it works well in emergencies or hectic situations where there is little time for discussion. It may be useful when enforcing policies and procedures that protect patient health and safety, but it...
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...Leadership involves different processes and characteristics which may or may not be applicable or advantageous in certain areas and settings. Different leadership style has its own advantages and disadvantages that could affect the outcomes and objectives. Furthermore, leadership in a hospital or inpatient setting is crucial that could affect the turnover, job satisfaction, performance and most importantly the services provided by the nurses which may affect patient outcomes and patient safety. In this essay, it will discuss different leadership styles such as autocratic, bureaucratic and democratic leadership style and its’ relationship to the safety of patient specifically the factors in medication errors in an inpatient setting. According...
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...TOPIC: LEADERSHIP STYLES CONTENts page INTRODUCTION 3 UNDERSTANDING ON LEADERSHIP STYLES 3-9 DISCUSSION ON LEADERSHIP STYLE OF A LEADER 10-11 THAT IS APPARENT IN THE EFFECTIVE PROVISION OF HEALTHCARE DISCUSSION ON LEADERSHIP STYLE OF A LEADER 11-12 THAT FACILITATES POSITIVE STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONCLUSION 12-13 INTRODUCTION in today ever rapid changing and challenging healthcare environment, nurses are required to develop their leadership skills where effective leadership styles they choose to deliver high quality care with improved patient safety outcome (Treguno et al, 2009); healthy work environments (Shirey, 2009): job satisfaction (Heller et al, 2004; Sellgren et al, 2007); lower turnover rates (Gelinas and Bohen, 2000); and positive outcome for organization and patients (Wong and Cummings, 2007) and healthcare providers (Cummings et al, 2005). It must be emphasized that leadership should not be viewed as an optional role or function for nurses. Nurse leaders nowadays confronting challenges like new roles, new technology, financial constraints, greater participation...
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...head: LEADERSHIP STYLE AND TODAY'S NURSING LEADERS Leadership Style and Today's Nursing Leaders Trends and Issues NRS 440V Kowanda Robinson Leadership Style and Today's Nursing Leaders Nursing leadership in health care today is a fast-paced, demanding and very challenging with shifting and competing priorities. Nursing leaders are receiving more scrutiny than ever as the performance expectations continue to rise at all levels of leadership in an effort to move health care organizations forward. Moreover, a managers’ success will largely depend upon their ability compare and contrast leadership styles, identify a leadership style that best fits their philosophy, in addition to that of the organization represented. Although there are at least fifteen different defined management styles, ranging from the very classic to the very creative, it has been determined that no one style is neither right nor wrong, only that different styles are needed for different situations (Marquis & Huston, 2008). The classic styles of management include autocratic, bureaucratic, laissez-faire and democratic. These are often considered the most basic of leadership styles. The article featured in Nursing Management focuses on Transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is a more creative, non-traditional management style (Raup, 2008) fits the writers leadership style and philosophy. The article further describes transformational leadership as a dynamic...
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...Running head: LEADERSHIP STYLE AND TODAY'S NURSING LEADERS Leadership Style and Today's Nursing Leaders Trends and Issues NRS 440V Leadership Style and Today's Nursing Leaders Nursing leadership in health care today is a fast-paced, demanding and very challenging with shifting and competing priorities. Nursing leaders are receiving more scrutiny than ever as the performance expectations continue to rise at all levels of leadership in an effort to move health care organizations forward. Moreover, a managers’ success will largely depend upon their ability compare and contrast leadership styles, identify a leadership style that best fits their philosophy, in addition to that of the organization represented. Although there are at least fifteen different defined management styles, ranging from the very classic to the very creative, it has been determined that no one style is neither right nor wrong, only that different styles are needed for different situations (Marquis & Huston, 2008). The classic styles of management include autocratic, bureaucratic, laissez-faire and democratic. These are often considered the most basic of leadership styles. The article featured in Nursing Management focuses on Transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is a more creative, non-traditional management style (Raup, 2008) fits the writers leadership style and philosophy. The article further describes transformational leadership as a dynamic process...
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...Leadership & Management in Nursing Shortage & Nurse Turnover We are all leaders and managers at some point in our lives. There are many opinions about the differences in leadership and managerial styles of leading. There are those who use the terms interchangeably and believe they are the same, those who believe that “leaders” and “managers” are opposites, and those who are in between. Although there are fundamental differences, individuals can be successful in both roles, and organizations need both to be successful. The purpose of this paper is to define and discuss the approaches in leadership and management styles in relation to the nursing shortage and nurse turnover using theories, principles, skills, and roles of the leader versus manager, and to identify this student’s professional philosophy of nursing and personal leadership style. Definitions of Leadership & Management Styles Leadership and management are two terms that are frequently compared. They are not the same, but they are linked. Some people have one or the other skill sets while others may have both. According to the Educational Business Articles (EBA) (n. d.), leaders focus on achieving tasks by keeping the team inspired, motivated and empowered (transformational leadership). It also involves expecting the best out of everyone for the benefit of achieving the team’s goal (EBA, n. d.). Some effective leadership characteristics are: vision, motivation, inspiration, persuasion, teamwork, building relationship...
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...Summary Paper Teresa Nabors Southern Nazarene University Nursing Attributes, Leadership and Critical Thinking As many have found over the years, nursing is not a profession cut out for just anyone. The average person cannot juggle twenty things at once, expertly handle emergencies that would send anyone else in a panic frenzy, and all the while remain calm and composed, as an experienced nurse does on a daily basis. What many do not know is that this smooth performance is driven by the nursing attributes, skills, and concepts that are necessary components integrated in the nursing profession of great nurses today. I believe the values of critical thinking, flexibility, strong communication skills, emotional stability, interpersonal communication and advocacy are the hallmark ingredients that distinguish the great nurses from the rest. Nursing is about going beyond the task given and a successful nurse encompasses a degree of these core attributes, as well as understanding the essential knowledge of the necessary concepts of leadership and critical thinking. This paper will discuss the attributes and concepts that I think are necessary in setting nursing apart from just any profession and will reflect on the values and practices that I believe makes me the nurse that I am today . Being a nurse can be tremendously rewarding to the soul, but it also demands much of those who pursue it. Nursing is a highly honored, trusted profession that has been steeped in rich values...
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...Introduction The aim of this piece of work will be to describe, analyse and evaluate what role the staff nurse holds in the effective management of the care of the bereaved person. Throughout the author will relate this to the bereavement of a family following the death of a loved one in a care of the elderly setting. In relation to this assignment and because the focus of this assignment is on the staff nurse effectively managing the care of the bereaved person the author will focus on the issue of the importance of good leadership in supporting staff in what could be an emotionally challenging environment. In relation to supporting the staff nurse being able to provide effective care for the patient the author will also be considering the areas of teambuilding and staff development, training and support. It should be remembered that bereavement may occur not just after a death but after any form of loss. Loss is a normal part of everyday life, life involves change and changes often involve an element of loss, (Read, 2002). What is bereavement? Shakespeare once wrote “all that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity”. Death is one of the largest causes of bereavement, although not exclusively. Bereavement is the term used for the emotions and behaviours felt and displayed by a person who has suffered some form of loss, particularly the death of a person close to them or known to them, (Egan, 2003). Coping with bereavement Coping with the emotions...
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...Leadership Styles paper Introduction Leadership is the process through which a person, in this case the leader, influences a group of people towards the realization of a common goal. The effectiveness of leadership depends on the style of leadership that the leader adopts, and usually depends on the context of leadership. This implies that different leadership styles are effective in different situations (Tittemore, 2003). Therefore, effective leaders are supposed to know the context through which a particular approach of leadership will be effective. In addition, the leadership approaches can be used for defining the personal leadership style that a person is likely to put into practice (Kippenberger, 2002). This paper discusses two leadership styles and identifies the most effective leadership that suits the philosophy of nursing leadership. In addition, the paper compares and contrasts leadership and management. The two main leadership styles discussed in this paper are autocratic and democratic leadership styles. Autocratic leadership style is whereby the leader has much power and makes use of the authority vested on him/her to initiate leadership actions such as decision-making (Marquis & Huston, 2008). Autocratic leadership style bases on the transactional theory, which lays more emphasis on the significance of the relationship that exists between the leader and the followers. The followers are supposed to obey the orders from their leaders (Marquis & Huston,...
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...Echevarria NUR/587 November 23, 2015 Professor Carla Hronek Leadership Interview Leadership can take on many forms and shapes. Each leadership style is unique and has a great impact on its team. Leadership is not about position, but more so about how a leader influences others to create a difference or change. The style of leadership that a leader portrays is often not chosen; it is more of a developed set of traits that come from the beliefs and values displayed on a daily basis. While it can be argued that leaders are born not created, leadership styles can be evolved based on experience and knowledge of how to motivate others. This paper will discuss points from an interview with a nursing leader. Included in the discussion will be the perspectives by the nurse leader in regards to leadership style, leadership role, challenges faced, and the effects of formal and informal power on an organization. Nurse Leader and Leadership Style Christine Roller RN (C.R.) has been a leader within her organization for the last ten years. Currently, she is the Nurse Manager of a busy observation unit and a 37-bed med-surg unit. She is a dedicated leader whose core values are strong and are the foundation of her confident leadership ability. As a leader, she is respected by her peers for displaying integrity, approachability, trust, and partnership; as evidenced by her annual peer reviews. C.R. describes her leadership style as charismatic. A charismatic lead has a strong conviction...
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...Leadership Commentary Introduction Leadership is an important quality in all nurses. It is relevant to all levels of nursing and increases the quality of care we are able to give to our patients (James P. Smith, 2006). Leadership in nursing is not necessarily about being in charge but more about being able to make confident and competent decisions and influence the behaviour of others to ensure the best patient care is delivered. Throughout a community placement I endeavoured to improve my leadership skills and made use of an action plan to do this. I will make use of Gibbs (1988) reflective cycle to evaluate and reflect on this process. Gibbs is a simple and effective method of reflection and will allow a focus on the event and give a clear structure to the commentary and will also allow an action plan to be formulated to ensure the process is ongoing. Description During a placement with the district nursing team I identified leadership skills which I felt I needed to improve, which were achievable and relevant to nursing practice. I also took into consideration the leadership qualities framework from the NHS institute of innovation and improvement ( NHS institute for innovation and improvement,2005) this highlights a number a important aspects of leadership such as empowering others, collaborating with others and leading change through people. I felt that these were important and the skills which I would develop should be based around these concepts. The skills...
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...Core Competency of Leadership in Nursing James Dunn Chamberlain College of Nursing Course Number: NR351 December 2015 The Core Competency of Leadership in Nursing Leadership in nursing is a fundamental core competency that is important to the growth and development of all nurses. The success of nursing is directly related to the effectiveness of the leadership in which they receive. By providing a good example, it will help to influence those around them and inspire others to want to lead as well. Leadership is important to nursing because it promotes a positive environment for current and future nurses and can develop standards and goals for nurses to continually strive for. Good leadership can be passed down thus providing a nurturing environment for those entering the profession. Effective Leadership According to Schwartz, Spencer, Wilson, and Wood (2011), “Success in the workplace often is contingent on a leader’s ability to effect positive change and inspire others to higher levels of achievement” (p.737). Leadership is a position that is not usually appointed however it instead emerges from those who have the ability to influence others, inspire others, and have character traits that are both admired and respected (Hood, 2014). Effective leaders have the power to make change and it’s important to recognize different leadership styles and the traits that an effective leader usually displays. Leadership Styles The type of leadership style used can greatly influence...
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...Kristen Sabin Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics November 1st, 2015 The Importance of Continued Nursing Education The Institute of Medicine has set forth a motion that the rate of Baccalaureate Nurses increases to 80% by the year 2020. The reasoning for this is that healthcare is ever changing and the need for lifelong learning in nurses to adapt to these changes if critical. (IOM, 2010, pg. 48). It is also estimated that the with baby boomer population entering into retirement, there will be an increased need for nurses in general but also for nurses that are capable of handling more complex patient care situations. The educational need for these nurses to be well trained as leaders, be able to meets the needs of the increasingly divers patient population, and to adapt to medical advances to ensure safe, quality patient care will remain the main focus for nurses. With these standards remaining the same, there will also be focus on promoting nurses to efficiently and collaboratively work with other health care professionals in a wide variety of complex health care situations that are changing on a day to day basis. There is concern, however, in ensuring that this will happen, as it is estimated that in the next 10 years, half of nursing school faculty will reach retirement age. Along with losing the nursing school faculty, there will also be an estimated loss of 500,000 practicing nurses in the workforce itself. (Aken, 2011, pg. 1) The number of graduates...
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