Discuss any two challenges facing nurse leaders as they work toward transforming healthcare environments with a patient-centric focus. Explain two strategies that nurse leaders can use to either effect change, bridge the dichotomy between medicine and nursing, or influence members of the interdisciplinary team to implement patient-centered approaches. Integrate and make reference to readings from the text and one article from the literature to support your comments.

Introduction

In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant transformations to improve patient care and outcomes. The shift towards a patient-centric focus has become a central theme within healthcare environments. Nurse leaders play a vital role in driving this transformation and ensuring patient-centered approaches are implemented effectively. However, they face several challenges in achieving this goal. This paper will discuss two main challenges faced by nurse leaders in transforming healthcare environments towards a patient-centric focus. Additionally, two strategies that nurse leaders can employ to effect change, bridge the dichotomy between medicine and nursing, or influence members of the interdisciplinary team will be presented.

Challenges Facing Nurse Leaders

Clinical autonomy

One significant challenge faced by nurse leaders in transforming healthcare environments is the issue of clinical autonomy. Traditionally, physicians have held primary control and decision-making power in patient care. This hierarchical structure has often limited the involvement of nurses in the decision-making process and hindered the implementation of patient-centered approaches. The medical model, which places more emphasis on diagnosis and treatment, often overlooks the holistic aspect of nursing care that includes the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of patients (Hewko, Brown, Fraser, Wong, & Cummings, 2015).

To overcome this challenge, nurse leaders must advocate for increased nurse autonomy and involvement in decision-making processes. This can be achieved by educating and engaging physicians about the importance of nurse-led initiatives, evidence-based practice, and the resulting positive patient outcomes. By fostering collaborative relationships between physicians and nurses, nurse leaders can bridge the gap between medicine and nursing, leading to more effective patient-centered care (Wong et al., 2018).

Resistance to change

Another challenge faced by nurse leaders is resistance to change within the healthcare environment. Resistance to change can arise from various sources, including healthcare professionals who are accustomed to traditional practices, fear of increased workload, or a lack of understanding of the benefits of patient-centered approaches (Aarons, Ehrhart, & Farahnak, 2014). Implementing new initiatives and transforming the healthcare environment requires a cultural shift, which can be met with resistance from members of the interdisciplinary team.

To overcome resistance to change, nurse leaders must employ effective strategies such as communication, education, and leadership. Open and transparent communication channels must be established to facilitate dialogue between leaders, healthcare professionals, and other key stakeholders. Nurse leaders can actively engage in educating the interdisciplinary team about the evidence supporting patient-centered approaches and the positive impact on patient outcomes. By demonstrating effective leadership, nurse leaders can inspire and motivate members of the team to embrace the changes and understand their role in achieving patient-centered care (Mitchell & Laschinger, 2016).

Strategies to Effect Change

Transformational leadership

One strategy that nurse leaders can employ to effect change and bridge the dichotomy between medicine and nursing is transformational leadership. Transformational leadership involves inspiring and motivating others through a shared vision, fostering trust and collaboration, and encouraging innovation (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Nurse leaders who exhibit transformational leadership qualities can create a supportive environment that encourages autonomy and shared decision-making, which is essential for implementing patient-centered approaches.

By adopting a transformational leadership style, nurse leaders can influence members of the interdisciplinary team to embrace patient-centered care and contribute to the overall transformation of the healthcare environment. This leadership style can also bridge the gap between the medical and nursing models by facilitating open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among healthcare professionals (Cowden & Cummings, 2012).

Shared governance

Another strategy that nurse leaders can utilize to effect change and influence members of the interdisciplinary team is shared governance. Shared governance involves the participation of frontline nurses in decision-making processes, policy development, and quality improvement initiatives (Portoghese, Galletta, Angilletta, & Calabrese, 2014). By involving frontline nurses in decision-making processes, nurse leaders can empower them to contribute to the implementation of patient-centered approaches and advocate for necessary changes.

Additionally, shared governance promotes professional autonomy and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among frontline nurses. This strategy encourages collaboration, engagement, and shared responsibility for patient care, leading to improved patient outcomes and a patient-centered approach (Hutchinson, Jackson, Daly, & Davidson, 2013).

Conclusion

In conclusion, nurse leaders play a critical role in transforming healthcare environments towards a patient-centric focus. However, they face several challenges, including clinical autonomy and resistance to change. To overcome these challenges, nurse leaders can employ strategies such as advocating for increased nurse autonomy, fostering collaborative relationships, and engaging in education and communication. Transformational leadership and shared governance are effective strategies that nurse leaders can use to bridge the dichotomy between medicine and nursing and influence members of the interdisciplinary team to implement patient-centered approaches. By addressing these challenges and employing these strategies, nurse leaders can drive the transformation of healthcare environments and enhance patient care and outcomes.