Nurse Management: Finding the Most Useful Theory Research Paper

Nurse management theory, which is most useful to nurse managers

Human relations theory is the most useful to nurse managers because it stresses the importance of the individual as well as the group relationship. It emphasizes the role of psychology and sociology in the understanding of an individual as well as group behavior in an organization. Thus, it advocates for upholding human values in an organization.

Human relations affect the ability of nurse managers to relate to other nurse managers, nurses, trainee nurses, patients and the hospital administration, nurse managers with good human relations are able to relate well with other team players in their departments (DeWit, 2009). Good relations ensure that the patients are well served and the productivity of other nurses is effective since they are able to communicate without fear of being victimized. Such a relationship between managers and their subordinates is important to ensure productivity in the workplace. Good human relations also provide a good platform for sharing ideas and even passing complaints to the administration and in the process fostering a comfortable atmosphere in the workplace.

Elton Mayo and his associates carried out a study and discovered that many areas require best human relation practices. They concluded that non-logical behavior among workers must be considered along with economic and other logical factors influencing the workgroup. This theory is also advocated because employees in an organization get the satisfaction of many other social and psychological wants, feelings, and desires (DeWit, 2009).

The business itself is a social system while in an organization it is ultimately a cooperative attitude and not the mere command which yields results. It has been widely accepted that any organization is a social system and the human factor is the most vital element within it. This approach evidenced that an organization is not merely a formal arrangement of men and functions but rather a social system. Hospitals also fall in this category of social systems and this is where nurse managers are expected to work.

Behaviors

1. Domain knowledge-This refers to the ability of the nurse manager to understand their team members, their abilities and the tasks that he or she is managing with respect to each member.
2. Team player- A good nurse manager can be a team player and not only a manager. This is vital as it ensures there is no competition inside the team. Competing between members is not beneficial.
3. Good interpersonal skills- Possession of this trait is a must for a nurse manager as it ensures they are able to freely mingle with the other team players which in turn improves productivity.
4. Confidence- To be a good nurse manager one should be confident of their skills since the other nurses depend on you for guidance. Confidence will thus enable one to make the appropriate decisions at the right time without time wastage.
5. Honesty-This is an important attribute not only for the nurse manager but also for the other members of the team. The nurses’ code of conduct requires them to be honest and straightforward both to their colleagues and patients.
6. Time conscious-a nurse manager should lead by example he or she should be punctual in his work and be fully committed.
7. Commitment-A nurse manager who wants their team to perform and exhibit dedication to their role should also be a committed team player so as to inspire the other.
8. Charismatic-the nurse manager should create a self-image so powerful that people are naturally drawn to it.
9. Competent-a nurse manager should be qualified this helps in selecting /recruiting individuals whose character and skills match that profile.
10. Reliability-This is the most important of all the behaviors of a nurse manager. He or She should be a person that can be called upon anytime to provide their assistance and knowledge without any limitations.

The rationale used is the behaviors ability to be able to promote the fundamental goal of nursing that is the preservation of the dignity of life while providing quality services to the patients (Chin, 2008).

References

Chin, P. (2008). Integrated theory and knowledge development in nursing. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

DeWit, S. (2009). Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing. Missouri: Saunders Elsevier.