Author: esimpson3 (Page 2 of 8)

Through this interview with a nurse that I know who I feel encompasses all the characteristics of a leader, I learned that there are multiple different types of leadership. I would consider this individual a “silent” leader, who leads more by example. A leader does not have to be loudest or most controversial person in the room. Her characteristics line up pretty similarly with mine, so it was interesting to hear how she sees herself as a leader. This individual has been working at the same hospital on the same floor for around 20 years. Over that time, she created strong bonds with her coworkers, creating a close-knit unit. She expresses to me that this has both positive and negative effects on her role as an informal leader on the floor. In times of conflict, she explains that it can sometimes be difficult to confront such a great friend. In that case, she communicates her concerns with a formal leader on the floor including the nurse manager or nurse educator and they can address the situation. On a positive note, having colleagues that double as friends make work more fun and allow for easier collaboration.

This nurse has adequate social and self-awareness both in and outside of the workplace. She is always considering the feelings of other individuals which I expect carries over to practice with both coworkers and patients. Although she is self-aware in the fact that she is aware of how her actions will affect others, I do not believe she understands how positive her impact in on others. She does not give herself enough credit when it comes to being a leader. I was surprised when I had to elaborate on questions that were specific to being a leader. However, I believe that the best leaders are the ones who don’t even know that they are leader. She portrays herself in a way where others want to follow in her footsteps and be like her.

Her timid responses about considering herself a leader resonated with me and is something that I will remember once I enter clinical practice. It showed me that these informal leaders who leader more by example need to be told about their impact on their peers because they may not even know that they are seen as a leader. I am going to make a point to acknowledge individuals like her. It is important that these individuals understand how they are portrayed and valued in the workplace. Following this interview, it strengthened my respect for this individual even more than it already was. Her humbleness about being a leader in the workplace is something that I admire. I hope to work more closely with her as I approach clinical practice to leader even more from her. Leaders come in all different forms. It is important that we recognize this and do not discredit the “silent” leaders like this extraordinary individual that I interviewed.

The subject that I have chosen is a family friend who has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 20 years. I chose her because of her charismatic and compassionate manner. I have never seen her in her element as a nurse, but I know that she is definitely a leader in her unit. The way that she presents herself in an approachable, kind manner is something that I strive to have both as a person and as a nurse. I do not believe that she has an official leadership position in her role, however, I feel that the informal leadership roles are just as important. Formal leadership comes from structure, authority, power, and can come in the form of orders or commands, while informal leadership is created from relationships and influence that the individual has on others. Informal leaders are unique individuals who have the ability to make an impact on others and their actions tend to be more focused on connections with others. My goal is to be an informal leader in the workplace. Whether, I eventually have a formal leadership role or not, having an informal leadership role is something that is invaluable and can change the whole dynamic of the workplace. I am interested in learning how this individual has gotten where she is. I am eager to hear any tips she has as an experienced nurse on how to become an informal leader, even as a new graduate nurse. I have never had this type of conversation with this individual, so I am excited to hear what she says about this topic. I would like to know how she applies her natural characteristics including authenticity, humbleness, and wholeheartedness, into her clinical practice and how she spreads these exceptional traits to her coworkers. I am glad that this is an assignment because it gives me a reason to learn from an exceptional informal leader both in and outside of the workplace.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to facilitate the transition from student nurse to professional registered nurse. Emphasis is
placed on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for licensure, development of professional identity and social
conscience, and career advancement.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate development of clinical judgment necessary for provision of safe, evidence-based nursing care that
improves health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. (Clinical Judgment/Evidence-based Practice)
2. Demonstrate use of data to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for successful licensure by
examination. (Informatics)
3. Demonstrate professional communication skills necessary for gaining entry into practice. (Leadership)
4. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for effective collaboration with
the interprofessional care team. (Interprofessionalism)
5. Demonstrate personal responsibility for professional growth through reflection and remediation.
(Professionalism/Self Care)

Westbrook College of Health Professions
NSG 447A Transition to Practice
Spring 2022

Nurses can hold such a wide range of responsibilities in the event of a disaster. Prior to a disaster even occurring, nurses play a huge role in the disaster response planning. They work to develop an understanding of the disaster preparedness and response plans. Additionally, they may educate patients and the community about the knowledge needed to make it through a disaster. This can help to reduce overall fear and anxiety during a disaster. In order to protect their families, nurses may implement personal preparation with an emergency plan and supplies within their homes so that they are prepared in the case of a disaster. During a disaster, nurses will be assigned a variety of responsibilities. They will implement the disaster plans at their workplace, triage, provide emergency treatment, and coordinate evacuations and transportations of patients. They could be tasked with delivering basic first aid and mediation and assessing the overall state of the victims. It is important that nurses understand what they are expected to do in a time of disaster and that preparation is in place.

In a time of disaster, the compassionate nature of nurses will come out, compelling us to help other that are in need. Provision 2 of the ANA code of ethics states that the nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, while provision 5 talks about how nurses owe the same duties to self as to others. These two provisions are contraindicatory of each other leading to the potential of ethical situations. My thoughts on this topic are that nurses must take care of themselves in order to care for others. In the event of a disaster, nurses play a key role in the first aid and triaging of patients. If nurses are not protecting themselves then they will not be able to perform the tasks that they need which could inhibit the safety of multiple individuals. If the nurse is protecting themselves, then many more people will be saved, and the overall outcome of the disaster will be better. With all of this being said, nurses are essential in the event of a disaster so if their safety if taken away then it will take away the safety of many others.