Today we discussed ethics in healthcare. I really liked the definition presented for what ethics means. " The systematic study of what a person¶s conduct and actions out to be with regard to him/herself, other human beings, and the environment; it is the
justification of what is right or good and the study of what a person's life and relationships ought to be, not necessarily what they are." Ethics is a very complex topic. In class we were able to discuss many different scenarios that demonstrate unique ethical dilemmas nurses face. In My Sister's Keeper a very ethical dilemma was explored. Is it right to have a child for the purpose of saving another? It is interesting because in most ethical situations I can usually relate to all sides of the debate. I think that's what makes it such a complex idea. Ethics committees are often called upon to sort through and try to come to a conclusion. I hope that in my practice I will be able to stay true to my values in the face of all of the different ethical situations I will face.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
12 Characteristics of Leaders
1. Leadership requires personal mastery - Nurses demonstrate leadership when they show competence and mastery at the tasks they perform. Nurses are deemed competent by means of a license to practice nursing (NLN 2010).
2. Leadership is about values - Nurses demonstrate values through when they are caring for patients. A "good" nurse demonstrates the core values of caring, integrity, and excellence in their care (NLN 2010).
3. Leadership is about service - Nurses are always serving. The definition of nurses according to the webster dictionary states that a nurse is one who cares for or advises another human. The very basis of nursing is serving the patient.
4. Leadership is about people and relationships - The nurse cares for the patient on an individual level. Their needs to be a relationship built on trust in order for the nurse to provide the best care possible.
5. Leadership is contextual - Nurses are dependent on research, colleagues, patients, etc... to excel as leaders and care for the patient.
6. Leadership is about the management of meaning - Nurses spend a significant amount of time with the patient. The nurse needs to be able to continually assess the patient and manage symptom and every assessment that is happening.
7. Leadership is about balance - At the beginning of every shift, the nurse has sometimes an overwhelmingly long list of things that need to be done. The nurse needs to be able to prioritize and balance that list and effectively deliver quality care. The nurse also needs to be able to balance work and personal life. Without balance, the nurse will burn out easily.
8. Leadership is about continuous learning and improvement - Healthcare is a constantly changing field. New research and technology are constantly being developed. To be a good leader and nurse, nurses need to be lifelong learners. They need to be well read and constantly learning about the healthcare industry.
9. Leadership is about effective decision making - Nurses are constantly making decisions. Assessments, treatments, and all around care for the patient require decisions to made constantly. The nurse needs to be able to make those decisions effectively.
10. Leadership is a political process - There are enough nurses in America that if joined together could potentially sway an election. Nurses know firsthand the challenges that healthcare faces. Nurses need to speak up and become involved in the political arena to promote change.
11. Leadership is about modeling - One interpretation of modeling is that to model means to teach. Nurses are always teaching patients. Another interpretation of modeling is to imitate or reflect an example. Nurses need to used evidence based nursing practice which essentially is modeling.
12. Leadership is about integrity - Nurses face many ethical dilemmas in day to day nursing. Nurses need to have integrity in order to face those ethical dilemmas and react appropriately.
2. Leadership is about values - Nurses demonstrate values through when they are caring for patients. A "good" nurse demonstrates the core values of caring, integrity, and excellence in their care (NLN 2010).
3. Leadership is about service - Nurses are always serving. The definition of nurses according to the webster dictionary states that a nurse is one who cares for or advises another human. The very basis of nursing is serving the patient.
4. Leadership is about people and relationships - The nurse cares for the patient on an individual level. Their needs to be a relationship built on trust in order for the nurse to provide the best care possible.
5. Leadership is contextual - Nurses are dependent on research, colleagues, patients, etc... to excel as leaders and care for the patient.
6. Leadership is about the management of meaning - Nurses spend a significant amount of time with the patient. The nurse needs to be able to continually assess the patient and manage symptom and every assessment that is happening.
7. Leadership is about balance - At the beginning of every shift, the nurse has sometimes an overwhelmingly long list of things that need to be done. The nurse needs to be able to prioritize and balance that list and effectively deliver quality care. The nurse also needs to be able to balance work and personal life. Without balance, the nurse will burn out easily.
8. Leadership is about continuous learning and improvement - Healthcare is a constantly changing field. New research and technology are constantly being developed. To be a good leader and nurse, nurses need to be lifelong learners. They need to be well read and constantly learning about the healthcare industry.
9. Leadership is about effective decision making - Nurses are constantly making decisions. Assessments, treatments, and all around care for the patient require decisions to made constantly. The nurse needs to be able to make those decisions effectively.
10. Leadership is a political process - There are enough nurses in America that if joined together could potentially sway an election. Nurses know firsthand the challenges that healthcare faces. Nurses need to speak up and become involved in the political arena to promote change.
11. Leadership is about modeling - One interpretation of modeling is that to model means to teach. Nurses are always teaching patients. Another interpretation of modeling is to imitate or reflect an example. Nurses need to used evidence based nursing practice which essentially is modeling.
12. Leadership is about integrity - Nurses face many ethical dilemmas in day to day nursing. Nurses need to have integrity in order to face those ethical dilemmas and react appropriately.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Lesson 2: Successful Leadership and Management Assignment
Think about how theories of leadership and management impact nursing leadership and management roles. Record your thoughts on your "Blog"
Theories of leadership and management definitely impact nursing leadership and management roles. Even though healthcare can be very specialized, it is still a business. Businesses need leaders. These leaders whether they realize it or not, are impacted directly by theories. One theory of leadership is that leaders are not born, but made. Many nursing leaders were not planning on being in management positions. But through a series of events find themselves in a leadership role. They learn from others, and from their own experience to shape their own leadership style. Different types of leadership theories are out there. Some are autocratic, others democratic, and some laissez faire. Depending on the situation and leader, all types can be used. Theories on leadership will continue to develop and continue to affect leadership and management in nursing.
Theories of leadership and management definitely impact nursing leadership and management roles. Even though healthcare can be very specialized, it is still a business. Businesses need leaders. These leaders whether they realize it or not, are impacted directly by theories. One theory of leadership is that leaders are not born, but made. Many nursing leaders were not planning on being in management positions. But through a series of events find themselves in a leadership role. They learn from others, and from their own experience to shape their own leadership style. Different types of leadership theories are out there. Some are autocratic, others democratic, and some laissez faire. Depending on the situation and leader, all types can be used. Theories on leadership will continue to develop and continue to affect leadership and management in nursing.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
January 17, 2012 Class
I have learned a lot about leadership this past week between preparing for my leadership class, attending class, and witnessing my parents open a Culver's fast food restaurant. The thing that stood out to me in class yesterday was that leadership is about motivating and inspiring people towards an achievement. There are many different types of achievement. Some are considered "good" and others "bad". It doesn't matter what type of achievement it is, it still takes a leader to get there. Craig Culver started a restaurant with just his wife and parents. Since then, he has been able to build a franchise that now has over 400 stores across the nation. I have been able to see the results of his leadership firsthand this past week. He came to the store opening and talked about how in order to do good business you have to take care of the team members and the business will take care of itself. I find this to be very true. It takes a team to achieve something. A good leader treats his or her team with respect and takes care of them. Then together they can achieve great things. I'm excited about this leadership class. I'm excited to learn more about management and leadership. I'm realizing more and more that leaders are not just found in hospitals or government or the workplace. Leaders are everywhere/
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