Introduction
As Benner (2001) points out, “senior nurses are likely to engage in a range of leadership activities in their daily routine and some may find the concept hard to understand”. Leadership in nursing is an art that involves quality delivery of care and facilitating positive nursing growth among other nurses. Leadership skills and capabilities among nurses can be judged by their ability to manage time, organize the team under them, and maintain professional ethics. It is also judged on the basis of how well they can solve problems and make decisions in the face of a crisis. As a nurse, adhering to professional ethics and acting with integrity is key in developing leadership skills.
My leadership skills
As a registered nurse for 11 years and a master of science program, my practice and experience has put me in situations where my leadership skills have been constantly put to test. Currently, I have adopted an effective leadership style that allows me to exercise basic leadership duties such as offering proper instructions to the nurses I work with. My responsibilities include coordinating the day/night shifts of my team and supporting them by giving directions. It is also my responsibility to help the new nurses fit into the system and grow their careers through effective training. However, I realize that an effective leader needs more than the ability to give instructions and supervise those under him/her. It is for this reason that I intend to work on having better leadership skills in the years to come.
Leadership skills in the nursing industry are categorized into different classes. They include organizational management, creation and vision, communication and strategy. The first step towards being a good leader is realizing that leadership roles are different from management functions (Benner, 2001). By realizing this, a good leader is willing to stay in touch and in line with the management and follow the hospital’s policies and regulations. As a leader, I intend to work on being more visionary and equip myself with the required strategies. Such qualities will help me direct my team and services to a better future in the industry. To be an effective leader, I also intend to work on my problem-solving skills and develop my group.
Looking at the future, I desire to be a dynamic and a passionate leader and seek to inspire my team. Managing time and managing information are part of the process. In the nursing profession, time management is of essence and could make a difference on the quality of care accorded to patients. This is also in consideration to the fact that leadership in nursing involves caring for the safety of patients. Safety is ensured when patients are attended to on time, given medication on time and followed up in a timely manner.
Conclusion
As Benner (2001) points out, “leadership for senior nurses is primarily about making decisions, delegating appropriately, resolving conflicts and acting with integrity”. My experience and skills as a leader allow me to manage the schedules and shifts effectively and ensure that patients are well cared for. The elements I intend to add to my leadership capabilities will enable me effectively develop my team and serve patients under my care in a better way. As a senior nurse, I also intend to develop my leadership skills through mentoring and coaching interventions. Part of the process will include training, attending leadership conferences and furthering my studies to give me a more professional approach to my career.
Reference list
Benner, P.E. (2001). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.