In this assignment, you will be writing a 1,000-1,250 word paper 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 Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. Purchase the answer to view it
Differences in Approaches of Nursing Leaders and Managers to Issues in Practice
Introduction:
In the nursing profession, leadership and management are crucial for the efficient delivery of quality care. While both leadership and management play integral roles in nursing practice, they approach issues differently. Nursing leaders are responsible for inspiring and influencing others towards a collective goal, while nursing managers focus on planning, organizing, and controlling resources to achieve organizational objectives. This paper aims to explore the differing approaches of nursing leaders and managers to issues in practice by drawing on credible peer-reviewed journal articles.
Approaches of Nursing Leaders to Issues in Practice:
Nursing leaders demonstrate various approaches to addressing issues in practice that differ from those of managers. A study by Cummings et al. (2018) highlights the transformational leadership approach, which is frequently adopted by nursing leaders. Transformational leaders are known for their ability to inspire and motivate their team members by setting a clear vision and demonstrating authenticity. According to Cummings et al. (2018), transformational leadership positively impacts healthcare outcomes, including patient satisfaction and nurse job satisfaction. This approach fosters an environment of trust, empowerment, and professional growth among nurses, leading to improved patient care.
Another approach frequently seen in nursing leaders is servant leadership. In a study by LaSala et al. (2017), servant leadership was found to be effective in promoting patient-centered care. Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their staff and patients, actively listening, and addressing their concerns. They focus on collaboration, fostering a culture of teamwork where everyone’s input is valued. This approach encourages open communication and shared decision-making, leading to better problem-solving and innovation within the nursing practice.
Moreover, ethical leadership is a key approach demonstrated by nursing leaders. Ethical leaders prioritize the moral and ethical aspects of patient care. They lead by example, adhering to professional standards and ethics codes. According to Kadivar et al. (2020), ethical leadership positively influences nurses’ ethically sensitive behaviors, enhancing patient safety and quality of care. Ethical leaders create an environment where ethical concerns are openly discussed, encouraging nurses to make morally sound decisions in challenging situations.
Approaches of Nursing Managers to Issues in Practice:
Nursing managers utilize different approaches in addressing issues in practice compared to nursing leaders. One approach commonly employed by managers is the administrative management approach. This approach emphasizes the planning, organizing, and controlling aspects of management. According to Carthon et al. (2019), administrative managers play a significant role in ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare organizations by efficiently allocating resources, managing budgets, and coordinating activities. This approach is essential for maintaining organizational stability and implementing standardized processes.
Another approach often seen in nursing managers is the transactional leadership approach. Transactional leaders focus on rewarding or punishing their staff based on their performance and adherence to established policies and procedures. They provide clear expectations and guidelines, closely monitoring the performance of their subordinates. This approach is effective in ensuring compliance with organizational policies and achieving specific targets or objectives. However, it may not promote creativity, autonomy, or intrinsic motivation among nursing staff (Cummings et al., 2018).
Conclusion:
Nursing leaders and managers bring distinct approaches to addressing issues in practice, each with its own strengths and limitations. Nursing leaders, through transformational, servant, and ethical leadership approaches, prioritize inspiring and empowering their team members, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. On the other hand, nursing managers focus on administrative management and transactional leadership, aiming to efficiently allocate resources, maintain organizational stability, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Both leadership and management approaches are essential in nursing practice, and a balance between the two is crucial for achieving quality patient care outcomes. Understanding the differences in the approaches of nursing leaders and managers to issues in practice allows for a comprehensive understanding of how various leadership styles impact the delivery of nursing care.