The influence of leadership can be far-reaching in practice and improving patient outcomes even when not in a formal role. Describe advocacy strategies that you can use as a leader to create positive change in your current workplace. In response to peers, describe a time when you provided leadership and the outcome. Was there anything that you would do differently? Purchase the answer to view it
The influence of leadership in healthcare settings is well-established and has been linked to various positive outcomes, including improved patient safety, better quality of care, and increased staff satisfaction (Roussel, Thomas, & Harris, 2016). Leadership is not limited to those in formal leadership positions but can also be exhibited by individuals at all levels of an organization. In this regard, advocacy strategies can be effective tools for leaders to bring about positive change in their current workplace.
Advocacy can be defined as the process of actively supporting and promoting a cause or an idea in order to achieve a desired outcome (Roussel et al., 2016). As a leader, there are several strategies that can be employed to advocate for change in a healthcare setting. One effective strategy is to use evidence-based practice to support the proposed change. By gathering and presenting relevant research and literature, leaders can provide a compelling case for the need for change and the potential benefits it can bring. This can help to secure buy-in from key stakeholders and increase the chances of successful implementation.
Another strategy is to build strong relationships and collaborations with colleagues and other stakeholders. This involves actively seeking input and feedback from others, valuing their perspectives, and involving them in the decision-making process. By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, leaders can create a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the proposed change, which can increase its chances of success.
Effective communication is also crucial in advocacy efforts. Leaders should be skilled in clearly articulating their vision and goals, as well as the rationale behind the proposed change. This may involve presenting information in a variety of formats and tailoring the message to different audiences. By using persuasive and compelling arguments, leaders can influence others’ understanding and support for the proposed change.
In addition to these strategies, leaders can also use their influence and power within the organization to remove barriers and facilitate the change process. This may involve advocating for necessary resources, such as funding or staff, and addressing any resistance or opposition that may arise. Leaders should be proactive in identifying and addressing potential challenges and finding creative solutions to overcome them.
Reflecting on a personal experience, there was a time when I provided leadership in advocating for a change in workflow in my current workplace. The goal was to implement a new electronic health record (EHR) system to improve efficiency and patient safety. As a nurse leader, I gathered research and evidence supporting the use of EHRs and presented this information to the administration and the clinical staff. I also sought input and feedback from staff members to address any concerns or resistance. By emphasizing the potential benefits and addressing any barriers upfront, I was able to secure support from key stakeholders and successfully implement the new EHR system.
Looking back, there are a few things that I would do differently. Firstly, I would have involved the clinical staff more in the decision-making process from the beginning. Although I sought input and feedback, I realized that involving them more in the decision-making would have resulted in a stronger sense of ownership and commitment to the change. Secondly, I would have allocated more time and resources for training and education on the new EHR system. While I anticipated some challenges with the transition, I underestimated the amount of support and training needed to ensure a smooth implementation.