Summary of my Clinical Learning Experience
At the pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU), I learned new ideas and experiences related to nursing. For instance, I played the role of a “shadow nurse”. I had the opportunity to provide adequate care and patient support in the ICU. As well, I learned much about different leadership styles. Such leadership styles are applicable in health care organizations to promote the quality of care provided to patients. I played the role of a “shadow nurse” thus gaining numerous insights on patient care. During the experience, I learned different ways to deal with conflicts in a health care setting. From the experience, I observed that conflicts are evident in health organizations. The important thing is to use the best conflict resolution mechanisms in order to address them. I also observed some of the “good” and “bad” ways to use power. As well, I developed new communication and interaction skills. That being the case, I strongly believe that I developed new skills and competencies as a health care leader (Weberg, 2010).
Learning Objectives
The main purpose of the clinical learning experience was to widen my nursing skills and leadership competencies. By the end of the period, I had already learned new ideas and competencies as a nurse leader. I have acquainted myself with various leadership styles such as transactional and transformational approaches. The important thing is for nurse leaders to identify the challenges affecting their organizations and offer the present solutions to deal with them (Weberg, 2010). I widened my knowledge of conflict resolution and healthcare management. With such gains, I can say that most of the learning objectives were met during the clinical learning experience.
The Role of a Nurse Leader from my Observations
The clinical experience was an opportunity to learn new things about nursing leadership. That being the case, a clinical leader should develop a collaborative and strategic working environment whereby nurses and physicians can address the needs of their patients. The leader should implement “health-supporting” ideas and policies in order to improve the working conditions. The approach will help provide the best care to patients. Nurse leaders should address the conflicts arising in the workplace (Weberg, 2010). As if that is not enough, nurse leaders should plan, monitor, train, and empower nurses in order to provide quality care. It is necessary for leaders to use the best leadership strategy. Proper leadership promotes teamwork and collaboration. As well, leaders should use evidence-based nursing practices. Finally, nurse managers should advocate for proper practices and manage resources in order to meet the expectations of the patients. With these objectives, a nurse leader will be able to address most of the issues affecting an organization and eventually improve the quality of care provided to patients.
A Brief Literature on Nurse Leadership Role
A clinical leader ensures an organization provides quality healthcare to patients (Weberg, 2010). Although the practices vary from one setting to another, the important thing is to ensure the leader is accountable for patient support and care. According to Weberg (2010), clinical leaders should design, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the health care provided to patients. This is exactly what I learned during the clinical experience. Clinical leaders should embrace teamwork, mentor their employees, and encourage the use of evidence-based research in order to improve the outcomes of healthcare.
Leaders should embrace new skills and knowledge in order to achieve the targeted goals (Weberg, 2010). Nurse leaders should implement new policies that will improve the conditions of the patient. Nursing leaders should also address conflicts through empowerment and the use of proper communication skills. “Leaders should constantly communicate with the patients and caregivers (Parsons & Cornett, 2011)”. This is the best approach to deal with the challenges affecting health care organizations today. Such issues were evident during my clinical experience.
What I would Like to Experience
The clinical experience has provided me with numerous ideas on clinical leadership and service delivery. I now understand how to use power properly in order to achieve good results. I have learned about staffing in accordance with the needs of the patients. However, I would have wanted to experience how clinical leaders use evidence-based research and modern technologies to provide quality care to patients (Parsons & Cornett, 2011). This is the case because modern technologies and ideas help provide quality healthcare. With such knowledge, it can be possible to provide quality care to patients.
What I have Planned to do with my New Experience
Finally, I strongly believe my new knowledge will be helpful in the future. I am looking forward to widening my skills as a clinical leader. The approach will help me provide the best care to my patients. My experience at the ICU has widened my views regarding patients’ experiences and the importance of quality healthcare. Such goals can only be realized through proper clinical leadership. I will therefore incorporate these skills into my nursing practices in order to provide quality care to my patients in the future (Parsons & Cornett, 2011). With such skills and ideas, I believe I can succeed in my future career.
References
Parsons, M. & Cornett, P. (2011). Sustaining the pivotal organizational outcome: magnet recognition. Journal of Nursing Management, 19(1), 277-286.
Weberg, D. (2010). Transformational leadership and staff retention: An evidence review with implications for healthcare systems. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 34(3), 246-258.