Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Susan Hensler
Nursing is a dynamic field requiring an adaptable leadership model able to adjust to the
increasing and ever-changing demands of the contemporary healthcare system (Doody & Doody,
2012). Finkleman (2016) explained that the Institutes of Medicine’s (IOM) 2011 report, The
Future of Nursing, pointed to transformational leadership as the model most effective at meeting
the needs of today’s nurses. Lifelong learning in the form of higher education and workplace
training further challenges nurses to reach their full potential and take leadership roles. In order
for a nurse to advocate for her patient, good interpersonal communication skills are required for
both dissemination of information and for motivating the interdisciplinary healthcare team to
succeed.
Nursing Philosophy
In addition to having authority, Curtis, de Vries, and Sheerin (2011), explained that a
leader is a person with the charisma to inspire others to succeed, someone who educates and
helps others. If that is the case, then all nurses have the potential to be leaders. Every moment
spent with a patient and the interdisciplinary healthcare team is an opportunity to create a
positive experience with the potential for individual and collective growth.
transformational leadership model has the potential to bring out the best in a healthcare team.
Doody and Doody (2012) described transformational leadership as a theory that embodies shared
goals for the future and a model that embraces change, empowers staff, and encourages
innovative thinking. An effective transformational leader demonstrates high morals and values.
They earn the trust of their team and inspire open communication while acting as a liaison
between staff and administration and advocating for their patients (Weller, 2014).
NURSING LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY 3
In 2013, Lacasse suggested that nursing leadership must be grounded in both formal
education and experienced nursing practice. Yet, while the IOM would like 80% of nurses to
hold a baccalaureate degree and the number of nurses with doctorate degrees to double by 2020,
they also have recommended that nurses at all levels take on leadership rolls, not only those with
higher-level degrees (Weller, 2014). Lacasse (2013) outlined three specific competencies that the
National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) deems essential to successful nursing
leadership: transformation, execution, and people. The transformation and execution domains
organization. The people domain focuses on professionalism, human resources and staffing,
Thompson (2012), built on both the NHCL leadership competencies and on the
transformational leadership model when discussing the five practices of exemplary leadership:
Leaders must model the way by examining their personal and professional values in order to
develop and convey their vision. They must inspire their team to share in their vision and goals.
Good leaders must try new methods and lead the way to change. They must enable others to act
by giving them autonomy and voice; and leaders must encourage, recognize, and celebrate the
Lifelong Learning
for the benefit of improved patient outcomes and the clinical education of nursing staff. Keeping
the focus on researching new evidence-based practices, staff are encouraged to obtain higher
level degrees, certifications, and continuing education and are asked to share their knowledge
NURSING LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY 4
with other team members through informal training sessions. Thompson (2012) expressed the
importance of creating feelings of equality and a sense of contribution with both on-the-job
training and having staff deliver evidence-based education to their peers on topics they
researched and prepared themselves. Encouraging staff to share their knowledge with other
employees allowed them to enjoy intellectual satisfaction and feel empowered to take ownership
ensures credentialing of staff and eases the route to preserving facility accreditation, an important
members of the interdisciplinary team, the facility administration, and with the patient. Leonard,
Graham and Bonacum reported in 2004 that the leading cause of inadvertent patient harm was a
environment that empowers all staff members to voice their onions and concerns during
meetings or privately, as warranted. Multiple studies show that when communication is enriched,
Curtis and O’Connell explained in 2011, positive working relationships form, improving both
staff efficiency and job satisfaction which ultimately results in improved patient care and safety.
Macauley (2015), informed us that not only new supervisors and managers, but also those
with years of experience, face the challenge of developing leadership skills that will motivate
nurses to be engaged and successful team members. So, what is the best way to lead and
must begin by developing a vision for the future that correlates to the mission statement of their
organization. This clearly-stated vision enables both administration and staff to come together in
My personal goal is to motivate others to provide the highest level of care resulting in
optimum patient outcomes, and to encourage personal and professional growth and education in
a safe, comfortable environment conducive to success. I agree with Curtis et al. (2011) that
shared leadership teams give voice to staff and that allowing staff members with a vested interest
create solutions increases the motivation to succeed. As a member of a shared leadership team, I
have seen positive changes and morale improvements and realize shared leadership has an
Education committees involving bedside nurses have been shown to enhance the clinical
competencies of the entire team which in turn improves patient care and outcomes (Curtis &
O’Connell, 2011). Tinkham suggested in 2013 that mentoring new nurse leaders helps to
increase their confidence. Initiating, perhaps through the shared leadership committee, a clinical
mentorship that pairs experienced nurses with new nurses can boost clinical confidence while
Perhaps the most important lesson gained from observing an effective transitional
improved career satisfaction and less resistance to change, which ultimately results in better
Conclusion
Even the best team will flounder without good leadership. A strong transitional leader has
the power to motivate team successes, inspire positive change, and encourage collaboration and
NURSING LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY 6
position at this time, transitional leadership skills play a role in my position as a bedside nurse.
Effectively communicating while inspiring and encouraging the success of clinical team
members and patients alike is an ongoing process. Being an active member of our shared
leadership committee enables me to participate in promoting both my goals and those of the
leadership team. Furthering my education both academically and clinically through use of
References
Curtis, E., & O'Connell, R. (2011). Essential leadership skills for motivating and developing
Curtis, E., de Vries, J., & Sheering, F. (2011). Developing leadership in nursing: exploring core
Doody, O., & Doody, C. (2012). Transformational leadership in nursing practice. British Journal
of Nurseing, 1212-1218.
Finkelman, A. (2016). Leadership and Management fo Nurses (3rd Edition ed.). USA: Peason.
Lacasse, C. (2013). Developing Nursing Leaders for the Future: Achieving Competency for
Leonard, M. G. (2004). The human factor: the critical importanceof effective teamwork and
Macauley, K. (2015). Employee Engagement: How to Motivate Your Team? Journal of Trauma
Nursing, 298-300.
Weller, J. B. (2014). Teams, tribes, and patient safety: overcoming barriers to effective