Discuss a formal role where a nurse is in a position of leadership. Outline the essential responsibilities of that role and the educational preparation required. Explain what leadership traits, styles, or qualities are required to be successful in this role and why. How do these traits, styles, or qualities align with the Christian worldview?
example 1 (Luis)
A Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor is a formal position in which a nurse frequently assumes a leadership role. Typically, many nurses begin their careers by assuming the role of charge nurses or taking on some form of leadership position within their assigned unit. Nurses in this role not only deliver hands-on patient care but also supervise other nurses and healthcare personnel in a certain unit or department. Nurse Managers have the responsibility of organizing schedules, allocating tasks, and offering direction to the nursing personnel. They also serve as an extension of the company they work for (AdventHealth University, 2022). Additionally, they are responsible for supervising the distribution of resources such as supplies and equipment. Nurse Managers oversee and analyze data to uphold the standards of patient care. They utilize all of these measures to ensure strict compliance with norms and regulations. Nurse Managers often possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as a minimum qualification, and many choose to pursue higher degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
Advanced education equips individuals with the requisite information and expertise essential for assuming leadership positions, encompassing healthcare administration, finance, human resources, and organizational behavior.
Success in leadership necessitates specific traits, styles, or qualities. One crucial aspect is the possession of effective communication abilities. Nurse Managers excel when they possess strong verbal and written communication skills to efficiently transmit information, attentively address issues, and facilitate discussions.
Christian leadership frequently highlights servant leadership, wherein leaders prioritize the needs of others over their own. Nurse Managers exemplify this ideal by humbly and compassionately serving both patients and staff in their professions. Characteristics such as empathy, compassion, and integrity, which are highly regarded in Christian teachings, are essential for good nursing leadership.
In the healthcare leadership setting, the Christian worldview places great emphasis on the significance of ethical decision-making and responsible management of resources.
Essentially, the position of Nurse Manager necessitates a blend of clinical proficiency, managerial aptitude, and leadership attributes. Nurse Managers that are effective demonstrate qualities such as empathy, strong communication abilities, and adaptability. These principles are in line with the Christian concepts of servant leadership, compassion, and ethical stewardship. (Marquis, 2017). Nurse Managers, via their leadership, enhance the welfare of patients and staff by maintaining elevated care standards rooted in the Christian perspective.
AdventHealth University. (2022, February 1). Nursing House Supervisor Job Description.
Retrieved May 1, 2024, from https://www.ahu.edu/blog/house-supervisor-job-
description
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2017). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing:
Theory and application (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Example 2 (Kristen)
The role of a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a formal leadership position that is responsible for overseeing the entire nursing staff within a healthcare organization. This includes managing the nursing department, developing and implementing policies and procedures, working with other departments to ensure quality patient care, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The essential responsibilities of a CNO include developing and implementing strategic plans, managing nursing budgets, evaluating staff performance, developing and implementing nursing policies and procedures, and overseeing the nursing staff’s day-to-day operations. To become a CNO, one must usually have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, as well as several years of experience as a registered nurse (RN) and as a nurse manager or administrator. Some organizations may also require certification as a nurse executive (NE-BC) or a nurse executive advanced (NEA-BC). Successful CNOs possess several key leadership traits, including solid communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to patient-centered care.
At the heart of the Christian worldview is the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God and are, therefore, called to love and serve one another. This principle is reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who modeled a life of selfless service and compassion for others. Christians believe that by following in his footsteps and embodying these values, they can make a positive impact on the world around them and bring about meaningful change in the lives of those they encounter. Through leadership in practice, this means that servant leaders are called to live a life of service and give of themselves generously to others. Christians also strive to embody compassion in their interactions with others, seeking to understand and empathize with those struggling or suffering. Finally, Christians are called to live a life of ethical conduct, guided by a set of moral principles that prioritize honesty, integrity, and justice. This means being truthful in all their dealings, treating others with respect and dignity, and promoting fairness and equality in all aspects of society. These principles form the foundation of the Christian worldview, guiding believers in their daily lives and inspiring them to make a meaningful difference in the world through leadership.
References
ANA. (2024, March 7). What is a chief nursing officer / chief nurse executive?. https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-leadership/chief-nursing-officer/
Hamlin, K. (2023, March 23). Nurse leadership roles: The differences among nurse executives, administrators, and managers. Nurse Leadership Roles: The Differences Among Nurse Executives, Administrators, And Managers | NurseJournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/
Neville, K., Conway, K., Maglione, J., Connolly, K. A., Foley, M., & Re, S. (2021). Understanding Servant Leadership in Nursing: A Concept Analysis. International Journal for Human Caring, 25(1), 22–29. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.20467/HumanCaring-D-20-00022
Example 3 ( Alexia)
The role of a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is to provide leadership in the clinical setting and improve patient outcomes by facilitating evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient-centered care. The CNL coordinates care across multiple disciplines, implements best practices, and evaluates patient outcomes (Hulett & Shatto, 2021). The CNL also mentors other nurses, providing guidance and support for professional development (Van Orne & Branson, 2022). To become a CNL, one must typically possess a master’s degree in nursing and obtain certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (Hulett & Shatto, 2021). The educational preparation required for the role of CNL includes advanced coursework in leadership, healthcare systems, and patient-centered care. (Hulett & Shatto, 2021).
To be successful in the role of CNL, one must possess leadership traits, styles, or qualities such as solid communication skills, critical thinking ability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team (Van Orne & Branson, 2022). Additionally, CNLs must be committed to lifelong learning and willing to adapt to changes in the healthcare environment. These traits, styles, and qualities align with the Christian worldview in that they prioritize the needs of others, embody humility, and promote ethical decision-making. Christians are called to serve others and prioritize others’ needs above their own. CNLs who embody these qualities are better equipped to provide patient-centered care and facilitate positive patient outcomes.
References
Hulett, B., & Shatto, B. (2021). Clinical nurse leaders. Nursing Management, 52(8), 49–51. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.numa.0000758712.33132.83
Van Orne, J., & Branson, K. (2022). Using an Innovative Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Model to Sustain High-Quality Patient Care and Promote a Positive Work Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nurse leader, 20(2), 208–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2021.11.004
Leave a Reply