Describe how successful nursing leaders guide professional practice for those around them using this example: an employee has resigned and the resignation letter is angry and includes many negative comments about the organization. How would you respond to the employee? Discuss the how participating in change helps a nursing leader grow and mature in their professional practice. Your initial posting should be 250 to 350 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, nursing leaders play a crucial role in guiding professional practice for their colleagues. These leaders not only have a responsibility to provide direction and support, but also to foster a positive and productive work environment. When faced with a challenging situation such as an employee resigning in anger and expressing negative comments about the organization, a successful nursing leader must respond with tact, empathy, and a strategic approach.

First and foremost, the nursing leader should reach out to the resigning employee in a private setting to address their concerns and provide an opportunity for open communication. This discussion should be approached with empathy, acknowledging the employee’s frustrations and validating their feelings. By actively listening to the employee’s grievances, the nursing leader demonstrates their commitment to understanding and resolving the issues at hand. It is important for the leader to remain calm and composed throughout the conversation, maintaining a professional demeanor that models effective conflict resolution.

After listening to the employee’s concerns, the nursing leader should take responsibility for the issues raised that fall within their realm of influence. This includes acknowledging any shortcomings in the organization or in leadership itself. By acknowledging and owning these shortcomings, the leader demonstrates accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement. This approach can help rebuild trust and confidence, as it shows that the leader is receptive to feedback and willing to address areas of concern.

To address the negative comments made by the resigning employee about the organization, the nursing leader should take this opportunity to provide clear and transparent information about any ongoing efforts to address the identified issues. This may include sharing updates on any improvement plans, initiatives, or policy changes that are being implemented. By doing so, the leader demonstrates a commitment to transparency and open communication, which can help alleviate concerns and foster an environment of trust.

In addition to addressing the concerns of the resigning employee, a successful nursing leader should also take this as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Participating in change is instrumental for leaders to develop and mature in their professional practice. Change provides an avenue for leaders to challenge their existing beliefs and paradigms, adapt to new circumstances, and expand their knowledge and skills.

Through participation in the change process, nursing leaders are exposed to new perspectives and ideas, which allows them to gain a deeper understanding of complex issues within their organization. This exposure creates an environment of continuous learning, promoting professional growth and development. Moreover, actively engaging in change initiatives allows leaders to practice transformative leadership, which involves empowering others, promoting innovation, and cultivating a culture of excellence.

Participation in change also affords nursing leaders with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills by developing qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and effective communication. As leaders navigate through difficult and uncertain circumstances, they learn to be agile in their decision-making and agile, in turn, they become more adept at managing change and leading their teams through various challenges.

The Oxford textbook of leadership in healthcare notes that leadership is not a singular event but a journey that involves continuous learning and adaptation (Fulop et al., 2014). By actively participating in change initiatives, nursing leaders embrace this notion and facilitate the growth and maturation of their professional practice.

In conclusion, successful nursing leaders guide professional practice by responding to challenging situations with tact, empathy, and a strategic approach. When faced with a resigning employee expressing negative comments about the organization, leaders should engage in open communication, take responsibility for shortcomings, and provide transparent information about ongoing efforts to address the identified issues. Additionally, participation in change is a vital component of a nursing leader’s professional growth and maturity. Through engaging in change initiatives, leaders have the opportunity to develop new skills, gain a deeper understanding of complex issues, and strengthen their transformative leadership qualities.