Introduction
Coordination of worker duties in a high-stakes situation is complex. Because of this, nurses are required to demonstrate leadership abilities that assure competency and safety. These characteristics stem from the nurse’s personality and directly impact their conduct, abilities, and relationships with patients and colleagues. As a result, a thorough understanding of one’s personality type can give vital hints about the strengths and defects that help and impede a nurse’s leadership position. This reflective essay critically examines the notion of nursing leadership, the ideal leadership style, and the most considerable talents required to become influential nurse leaders.
Leadership Characteristics and Skills Assessment
The fundamental qualities of healthcare companies that succeed in displaying sound business practices and maintaining healthy and happy organizational cultures include solid and effective nursing leadership built on trust, respect, and fairness. According to Cummings et al. (2021), successful nurse leadership practices significantly improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes. When nurse leadership substantially impacts both nursing and patient outcomes, it is critical to identify ideal nursing leader characteristics and understand how effective leadership practices may be implemented. A respected leader is well-qualified for their position and honorable in their judgments and actions. They attempt to create precise outcomes by assisting followers in achieving their goals and guiding them even when no authority is bestowed (Grossman & Valiga, 2017). They also understand each interprofessional team member’s tasks and scope of practice, including patients, to collaborate successfully to offer the quality of care possible (Quality and Safety Education in Nursing, 2012). Furthermore, my capacity to lead effectively depends on evidence-based practice, experience, and perseverance.
In this sense, a good leader should know health research methodologies and processes. Bianchi et al. (2018) suggest that crucial leadership skills such as developing a clear vision, using practical interpersonal skills, and providing continuing education to nurses are critical components of maintaining a commitment to evidence-based practice. In addition, using health research methodologies and procedures to develop new information for preparation and clinical decision-making based on evidence, clinical skill, and patient desires are other skills required for implementing evidence-based practice (Quality and Safety Education in Nursing, 2012). Academic nursing is evolving toward a new model and paradigm for nursing curriculum employing a competency-based strategy with the support of the new AACN Essentials (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021). Furthermore, they also use their creativity to devise a strategy tailored to their work environment to settle problems and empower their subjects successfully.
Jung Typology
People can be classified using the three criteria: extraversion or introversion, sensing or intuition, and thinking or feeling based on Jung’s theory of psychological type. The personality type can be identified by taking a test based on Carl Jung’s typological approach (HumanMetrics, n.d.). In this context, my personality type specified by the test was Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging (ISFJ). They are reliable workers, typically with perfect memory and remarkable analytic talents (HumanMetrics, n.d.). They are also adept with people in small groups or one-on-one scenarios due to their patient and genuinely empathetic attitude to dealing with others (HumanMetrics, n.d.). It is stated that traditional ISFJ occupations include teaching, nursing, religious work, medical work, and management (HumanMetrics, n.d.). In this sense, ISFJs are friendly and dependable coworkers and great employees, but they can be rushed and uneasy in managerial situations.
Reflection on Professional Leadership Role
Nurse managers must provide leadership to sustain quality medical service by becoming aware of areas that need improvement, collaboratively selecting areas for intervention, and using communication skills to assess performance. Bianchi et al. (2018) state that patient communication and education are critical nursing skills when providing medical care. Cummings et al. (2021) support this idea and suggest communication as a leadership style needed for nursing leadership. Communication skill is also addressed in Teamwork and Collaboration QSEN competency. It is stated that a nurse should be able to examine the communication styles and preferences of patients and families, and other medical workers and use different communication techniques (Quality and Safety Education in Nursing, 2012). In addition, nurses must use communication techniques that reduce the risks connected with provider handoffs and care transitions and select communication styles that reduce the risks associated with authority gradients among team members.
I have learned much about leadership and management in nursing practice through course readings and discussion threads. In terms of my leadership abilities, I have acquired a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the field of nursing throughout the years. I am outgoing and versatile and have strong communication skills that allow me to interact with coworkers, patients, and their families. I understand the importance of choosing the right communication strategy and intention. One of the strengths of the ISFJ personality type is good communication skills. In this context, Wei et al. (2018) state that strengths-based leadership, or concentrating on employees’ strengths, is an effective strategy for increasing employee engagement and happiness. Thus, using my strength in communication, I would identify the strengths of other medical staff to engage them in work activities that capitalize on their finest qualities, resulting in positive organizational transformation.
Conclusion
To conclude, the significance of leadership in the nursing setting cannot be overstated. Leaders must have a high degree of leadership knowledge while also using the appropriate leadership style and abilities in all parts of work in the healthcare context. A good leader demonstrates honesty and trustworthiness while adopting a style appropriate for directing people and solving difficulties. In this sense, the course materials taught me the importance of equipping people with new skills to work together to create better and more positive patient-centered results.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). AACN essentials. Web.
Bianchi, M., Bagnasco, A., Bressan, V., Barisone, M., Timmins, F., Rossi, S., Pellegrini, R., Aleo, G., & Sasso, L. (2018). A review of the role of nurse leadership in promoting and sustaining evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(8), 918-932. Web.
Cummings, G. G., Lee, S., Tate, K., Penconek, T., Micaroni, S. P. M., Paananen, T., & Chatterjee, G. E. (2021). The essentials of nursing leadership: A systematic review of factors and educational interventions influencing nursing leadership. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 115. Web.
Grossman, S.C. & Valiga, T.M. (2017). Grossman and Valiga leadership characteristics and skills assessment. In the new leadership challenge; Creating the future of nursing (5th ed.). F.A. Davis Company. Used with permission.
HumanMetrics. (n.d.). Discover your personality type. Web.
Quality and Safety Education in Nursing. (2012). Graduate-level QSEN competencies: Knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Web.
Wei, H., Roberts, P., Strickler, J., & Corbett, R. W. (2018). Nurse leaders’ strategies to foster nurse resilience. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(4), 681-687. Web.