Reflection Journal: Final Thoughts Identify two of the most salient aspects (below) that you have learned in the course and discuss how you will apply them in your professional nursing practice. Aspect 1: Empowerment, Communication, and Leadership in Healthcare (communication patterns in a decentralized nursing structure & leadership behaviors that promotes quality outcomes) Aspect 2: Ethical Leadership and Its Importance for Nursing Practice (ethical principles for the nurse administrator in healthcare organizations, change theories and their application in healthcare organizations & process of collaborative decision-making)
Throughout this course, I have gained a deep understanding of two salient aspects that have greatly impacted my knowledge and perspective on professional nursing practice. These aspects are empowerment, communication, and leadership in healthcare, as well as ethical leadership and its importance for nursing practice.
The first aspect that stands out for me is the concept of empowerment, communication, and leadership in healthcare. This aspect emphasizes the significance of effective communication patterns in a decentralized nursing structure, as well as the role of leadership behaviors in promoting quality outcomes. I have learned that in a decentralized nursing structure, communication is essential for the smooth functioning of the team and the delivery of high-quality care to patients. Effective communication fosters collaboration, trust, and mutual understanding among team members, leading to improved patient outcomes.
As a professional nurse, I will apply this aspect in my practice by actively engaging in open and transparent communication with my colleagues. I will make an effort to ensure that information is shared effectively, ideas are valued, and diverse perspectives are considered. Moreover, I will strive to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages all team members to contribute their knowledge and expertise. By doing so, I believe that the quality of care delivered to patients will be enhanced, and the overall functioning of the healthcare team will be improved.
The second aspect that has significantly impacted my understanding of professional nursing practice is ethical leadership and its importance. This aspect highlights the ethical principles that guide nurse administrators in healthcare organizations, the application of change theories in healthcare settings, and the process of collaborative decision-making.
Ethical leadership is crucial in nursing practice as it ensures that decisions and actions align with ethical principles, which are fundamental to providing safe and compassionate care. Through this course, I have learned about various ethical frameworks that can guide nurse administrators in making ethical decisions. These frameworks include principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Understanding these ethical principles enables nurse administrators to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and make informed decisions that prioritize patient well-being.
In my professional nursing practice, I will integrate the knowledge gained about ethical leadership by incorporating ethical principles into my decision-making processes. I will critically analyze ethical issues, explore alternative solutions, and engage in ethical reasoning to ensure that my actions align with the ethical standards of nursing practice. Additionally, I will advocate for the inclusion of ethical considerations in the decision-making processes of my healthcare team, promoting a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility.
Furthermore, I have also learned about the application of change theories in healthcare organizations and the importance of collaborative decision-making. Change is an inevitable aspect of healthcare, and as a nurse, I must be prepared to effectively navigate and facilitate change processes. By utilizing change theories, such as Lewin’s Change Theory or Kotter’s Eight-Step Process for Leading Change, I will be able to understand and manage the dynamics of change more effectively. Additionally, I have gained insights into the importance of involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process, as it allows for diverse perspectives, promotes ownership, and increases the likelihood of successful change implementation.
In my professional nursing practice, I will apply this knowledge by actively engaging in change processes, ensuring that they are guided by well-established change theories. I will strive to involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process, seeking their input and feedback to facilitate a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. This approach will enable me to contribute to the successful implementation of changes that enhance patient safety, quality of care, and overall organizational effectiveness.
In conclusion, the aspects of empowerment, communication, and leadership in healthcare, as well as ethical leadership and its importance in nursing practice, have greatly influenced my understanding of professional nursing practice. I am committed to applying these aspects in my practice by promoting effective communication, fostering collaboration, incorporating ethical principles into decision-making processes, and effectively facilitating change processes. By doing so, I believe that I can contribute to the improvement of patient outcomes, the enhancement of healthcare team functioning, and the advancement of the nursing profession as a whole.