In this assignment, you will be writing 1,000-1,250 words describing the differing approaches of nursing leaders and managers to issues in practice. To complete this assignment, do the following: Use at least three peer-reviewed journal articles other than those presented in your text or provided in the course. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style
Manual.
Introduction
Nursing leaders and managers play crucial roles in healthcare organizations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and effective outcomes. However, these two roles differ in their approaches to issues in practice. Nursing leaders focus on inspiring and motivating their teams to achieve organizational goals, while nursing managers concentrate on planning, organizing, and controlling resources to achieve desired outcomes. This paper will delve into the differing approaches of nursing leaders and managers to issues in practice, highlighting their unique perspectives, roles, and responsibilities.
Nursing Leadership: Inspiring and Motivating
Nursing leadership is a dynamic process that involves the ability to influence others to achieve common goals and work collaboratively towards organizational success (Huber, 2018). Nursing leaders are characterized by their ability to inspire, motivate, and empower their teams. They possess strong visionary skills and utilize them to shape the direction of their organizations.
To effectively address issues in practice, nursing leaders adopt a transformational leadership style. Transformational leadership emphasizes the importance of individual growth, innovation, and positive change within the organization (Huber, 2018). Nursing leaders use their communication and interpersonal skills to inspire their teams, encourage innovative solutions, and create a shared vision of excellence.
One key approach nursing leaders adopt when confronted with issues in practice is the utilization of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence encompasses the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions and the emotions of others (Goleman, 1998). By possessing a high level of emotional intelligence, nursing leaders can effectively navigate through conflicts, motivate their teams, and create a positive work environment. This approach is particularly important when addressing complex issues in practice, as it requires empathy, understanding, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Nursing leaders also prioritize collaboration and interprofessional relationships when resolving issues in practice. Collaboration involves working together with other healthcare professionals to achieve common goals and provide holistic care to patients (Huber, 2018). By fostering collaborative relationships with physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and other members of the healthcare team, nursing leaders can effectively solve practice issues that require interdisciplinary solutions. This approach ensures that the highest quality of care is provided to patients.
Furthermore, nursing leaders adopt a coaching approach to address issues in practice. Coaching involves providing guidance, support, and mentorship to individuals in order to enhance their skills, knowledge, and overall performance (Grossman, Witzke, & Harmon, 2012). Nursing leaders identify areas for improvement and provide constructive feedback to facilitate professional growth and development. This approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and ensures that nurses are equipped with the necessary skills to address practice issues efficiently.
Nursing Management: Planning and Organizing
Nursing management focuses on the effective utilization of resources, coordination of activities, and achieving desired outcomes within the constraints of the healthcare organization (Huber, 2018). Nursing managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling resources to ensure the smooth operation of nursing units and the delivery of high-quality care. They play a vital role in supporting nursing leaders and translating their visions into actionable plans.
When addressing issues in practice, nursing managers adopt a strategic management approach. Strategic management involves the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals (Roussel, Swansburg, & Swansburg, 2016). Nursing managers analyze the current practice issues, develop strategic plans, and allocate resources effectively to achieve desired outcomes. They involve key stakeholders, such as nurses, physicians, and administrators, to ensure the successful implementation of strategies.
Nursing managers also prioritize efficiency and effectiveness when resolving issues in practice. Efficiency relates to the optimal utilization of resources to minimize waste and maximize productivity (Roussel et al., 2016). Nursing managers ensure that resources such as staffing, equipment, and supplies are allocated appropriately to meet patient needs. They develop policies and procedures that streamline workflows and reduce unnecessary steps. This approach ensures the smooth operation of nursing units and the provision of timely and effective care to patients.
Moreover, nursing managers adopt a problem-solving approach to address issues in practice. Problem-solving involves identifying the root causes of practice issues, developing solutions, and implementing strategies to prevent future occurrences (Huber, 2018). Nursing managers rely on data analysis and evidence-based practices to guide decision-making. They collaborate with front-line nursing staff to understand the challenges they face and formulate effective solutions. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within healthcare organizations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nursing leaders and managers employ differing approaches to address issues in practice. Nursing leaders focus on inspiring and motivating their teams, utilizing emotional intelligence, fostering collaboration, and adopting a coaching approach. In contrast, nursing managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling resources, adopting a strategic management approach, prioritizing efficiency and effectiveness, and using problem-solving skills. Both roles are integral in ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and effective outcomes in healthcare organizations. By understanding the unique perspectives, roles, and responsibilities of nursing leaders and managers, healthcare organizations can foster a culture of excellence and achieve sustainable success.