As you will note in the cover story about examples of nursing shared governance,
leadership is really about relationships. Whether those relationships are one-to-one
or one-to-many, in everyday work or extraordinary times, leadership occurs
between people and arises out of social relationships. It happens all the time,
and involves influence and choices about transforming values into actions,
visions into realities, obstacles into innovations, separateness into solidarity,
and risks into rewards. As Florence Nightingale said:
“Let us each and all, realizing the importance of our influence on
others — stand shoulder to shoulder — and not alone, in good
cause.”
Long ago, Florence Nightingale recognized that nurses have a social contract
with members of the public, a contract that requires leadership behaviors
of each and every one of us. She recognized that leadership is a role that
all nurses share; it is not a position. Participating in shared leadership
structures can be a powerful way to influence the future of patient care
and nursing practice — and the domain of leaders is the future.
In their book, The Leadership Challenge, James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
identified some behaviors that were consistently present in successful leaders,
regardless of the setting. These behaviors are not the private property of
a few select shining stars, but are available to anyone, in any organization
or situation. I think they are especially appropriate for nurses:
Model the Way – You have to believe in something yourself before you
can get others to believe. One of the reasons nurses are such wonderful leaders
is because of their deeply held beliefs and values concerning patient care
and nursing practice. These values drive behaviors that are highly ethical
and are trusted by colleagues and the public. What a strong base for nurse
leadership!
Inspire a Shared Vision – While nurses enjoy multiple opportunities
and choices for education, belief in high-quality nursing care is common
to all nursing curricula. Nursing care based on patient need, regardless
of other factors, is a powerful force in the profession.
Challenge the Process – The strong presence of evidence-based practice
is an important component of nursing. Nurses, individually and collectively,
are consistently looking for better ways to provide care, and are ensuring
that “the way it’s always been done” is replaced with more
effective interventions and measurement.
Enable Others to Act – Nurses have always understood the importance
of teams and ensuring the success of others who participate in the care of
patients. Behaviors associated with this particular area are especially important
in shared governance/leadership structures, as the value of these groups
is directly related to ensuring that multiple voices participate in decisions
around the practice of nursing.
Encourage the Heart – The simple act of human connection and caring
is also important. Nurses are especially adept at this because, of course,
caring is at the core of nursing practice. Nurses understand that people,
whether they are colleagues or patients, need to be acknowledged and valued
in order for their spirits to survive.
So as we go about our daily lives, let’s remember that our days contain
multiple opportunities to influence others in a positive way. In fact, as
nurses, we have a responsibility to participate in those activities that
will better the health care environment of our patients, community, and colleagues.
that
also projects
a true image of nursing to the world.Not
only an admirable and caring profession, but a higher respected and better understood
profession
Nursing is recognized as an influential, highly rewarded profession valued
for its unique knowledge
and expertise. It is widely known that nurses make a difference in people’s
lives.
Nurses provide quality care in dynamic and satisfying environments that
utilize their specialized
skills and knowledge. These environments promote health and safety, appropriate
staffing, shared
decision-making, collaboration, mentoring and professional growth.
Attracting and retaining the best team members is of paramount importance
to our Health Care System. We will do this by becoming the health care employer
of choice and by providing a practice environment that is professionally
satisfying and financially rewarding. |
