Then and now of Nursing Leadership
Nurses make up the majority of the health-care workforce in the United Kingdom. However, they are underrepresented in positions of leadership and are considered as “functional doers” rather than leaders capable of making strategic decisions in health care settings.
Things are changing now – healthcare decision makers are realising the fact that nursing leaders are driving positive clinical outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, and a lot more. Which is why, more healthcare systems are implementing formal leadership positions for nurses.
But just being an effective clinician isn’t enough. To take up emerging leadership roles in healthcare delivery systems and fully participate in complex collaborative environments, you must have advanced education as well as a thorough understanding of the qualities of a good nurse leader. The blog describes the same.
What do Nursing Leadership do
Nurse leaders work at the bedside with patients, in administrative roles such as Chief Nursing Officer, and in every specialty setting. They bring to their organisations new ideas, evidence-based best practises and policies, and a patient-centered perspective. Nursing Leaderships’ receive a good compensation than their counterparts.
To put it simply, effective nurse leadership has a profoundly positive impact on facilities and health systems. Clinical and non-clinical nurse leaders’ efforts are linked to higher staff retention, fewer medical errors, and increased facility efficiency, all of which can improve patient satisfaction and perhaps save costs.
1. Integrity
One of the most important goals for nurse leaders is to maintain the integrity of both themselves and their charges. Personal integrity aids nurses in making the best judgments for their patients at critical stages in their treatment plans. Effective leaders also adapt to utilise and teach morally sound methods that enable new nurse leaders to make safe and effective care decisions on their own.
2. The ability to think critically
Nurses make vital judgments in the best interests of their patients depending on a range of variables. As the team’s leader, a nurse leader must be able to think critically in order to guide their team through periods of change or decision-making.
3. Decision-making
Nurse leaders are continuously faced with huge and little decisions, ranging from defining procedures for the nursing staff to maintaining records. For day-to-day decision-making and advice, resident nurses and other junior nurses look on nurse leaders. A more organised and direction-driven health sector will benefit from efficient, unambiguous, and effective decision-making skills.
4. Technological proficiency
Because technology is such an important element of healthcare, nursing leaders benefit greatly from having a strong technical knowledge base. Many medical institutions increasingly rely on electronic health records and cutting-edge digital equipment, so executives must stay current on the latest technologies and train new recruits on how to use them.
5. A commitment to excellence
A nurse leader sets the tone for their team’s performance. They demonstrate a commitment to giving the finest possible treatment, and they instill this commitment in new trainees and all team members. They encourage this commitment by focusing on quality and safety, as well as conducting frequent performance reviews to ensure that the level of treatment is maintained.
6. Patient-centered
Nurse leadership is authentic and empathic. In nursing, authenticity is important since it is sometimes up to nurses to balance revenue targets and budget limits with the needs of patients and their families. Nursing leaders who are authentic and empathic can confront moral challenges front on.
7. Respect
Nurse leaders are dynamic, passionate influencers who encourage others to change while also earning the respect and trust of their patients. To do this, leaders teach communication skills such as two-way communication and rephrasing to encourage stakeholders to engage in constructive, positive interactions at work. Trainees build respect for their peers and nurse leaders by understanding each other’s situations.
8. Motivational
Nurse leaders must foster and recognise achievement in their staff members because nursing can be stressful (understaffing, clinical conflicts, and excessive demands all contribute to high turnover rates in the field). Nurses who enjoy their work and are given opportunities to advance contribute to the seamless operation of the health-care system.
9. Mentorship
Nurse leaders use motivating tactics that are tailored to their learners’ unique characteristics. Nurse leaders foster a culture of continuous learning by empowering trainees and encouraging them toward understanding their roles as caregivers. While effective nurse leaders work hard to discover learning opportunities, they also allow trainees enough liberty to avoid feeling micromanaged.
10. Open-mindedness
Whether it’s technology, legislation, or staff, the healthcare sector and the nursing profession are always changing. A good nurse leader is adaptable to these changes and stays up to date on new technologies or treatments that can help patients.
Considering a future in nursing leadership?
It is evident that over the next decades, nursing leadership will be passed down to a new generation of nurses. In the changing healthcare environment, these individuals will be critical in liaising between nurses and executive management.
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