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 This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. .
Title: Differing Approaches of Nursing Leaders and Managers to Issues in Practice
Introduction:
Nursing leadership and management play crucial roles in guiding the delivery of patient care and influencing healthcare outcomes. While both leadership and management are important components of effective healthcare administration, they involve distinct approaches and perspectives. This paper aims to describe the differing approaches of nursing leaders and managers to issues in practice by analyzing recent literature.
Definition of Nursing Leadership and Management:
Nursing leadership refers to the process of influencing and guiding others towards achieving common goals in a healthcare setting. It involves the ability to inspire and motivate individuals to deliver high-quality patient care, while also advocating for the best interests of the nursing staff (Laschinger et al., 2017). On the other hand, nursing management focuses on the administrative aspects of healthcare delivery, including resource allocation, staffing, and operational planning (Cummings et al., 2018).
Approach of Nursing Leaders:
Nursing leaders adopt a transformational leadership approach, which emphasizes the promotion of individual growth, motivation, and creativity among their followers. Transformational leaders inspire trust, foster open and effective communication, and encourage team members to collaborate and develop innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges (Laschinger et al., 2017). They exhibit authentic leadership by being true to their vision and values, and they promote a positive work environment by recognizing and valuing their staff’s contributions (Cummings et al., 2018). Research suggests that nursing leaders who employ a transformational leadership style positively impact patient outcomes, job satisfaction, and retention of nursing staff (Cummings et al., 2018; Wong & Cummings, 2017).
Approach of Nursing Managers:
Nursing managers, on the other hand, primarily focus on the efficient and effective coordination of resources and personnel to accomplish organizational goals. They adopt a transactional leadership approach, which involves the use of rewards and punishments to motivate and manage staff members (Laschinger et al., 2017). Transactional leaders typically emphasize adherence to standardized procedures and protocols, ensuring that tasks are performed according to predetermined expectations (Cummings et al., 2018). While this approach may be effective in routine situations, it does not foster individual growth or creativity among team members.
Differences in Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
Nursing leaders and managers also differ in their approaches to problem-solving and decision-making. Leaders often adopt a collaborative and inclusive approach, involving team members in decision-making processes and seeking diverse perspectives to identify the most suitable solutions (Laschinger et al., 2017). They encourage critical thinking and promote innovation by empowering their team members to take ownership of their work. In contrast, managers typically make decisions based on established policies and protocols, ensuring compliance with organizational guidelines (Cummings et al., 2018). They focus on timely problem resolution, prioritizing efficiency and productivity over individual autonomy.
Impact on Organizational Culture:
The approaches of nursing leaders and managers significantly influence the organizational culture within healthcare settings. Leadership styles that foster open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect contribute to a positive work environment and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement (Laschinger et al., 2017). In contrast, a management style that is rigid and top-down may hinder staff engagement and ultimately lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased staff turnover (Cummings et al., 2018).
Conclusion:
The differing approaches of nursing leaders and managers to issues in practice have a profound impact on patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, and overall organizational performance. While both leadership and management roles are critical in healthcare administration, it is imperative to recognize and value the unique contributions of each. By understanding the distinct characteristics of nursing leadership and management, nursing professionals can effectively navigate the complexities of their roles and contribute to the delivery of high-quality patient care.