Nursing is at the dawn of a new age. Nurses
are taking a greater leadership role in health care than in previous times in
history. The new age of information has brought with it confusion and change in
the healthcare industry. Courageous Christian nurse leaders can use this time
of change to improve the outcomes of the patients they serve. Through Christ,
centered servant leadership nurse leaders can combine the clinical aspects of
care, with their calling and passion. Christ was a powerful and influential
leader during his time on earth but he also served all of humanity. Christian
servant leaders are called to do the same.
Christian
leadership
In a world that is becoming more complex and chaotic, the need for
leadership is greater than ever before in history. If you want to change the world,
it begins by finding something you are passionate about and use that passion to
inspire other people to help you find a solution to the problem (Boden, 2014).
Truly successful leaders have a fierce calling to accomplish their vision. Leadership
is more than action; it is about doing what you were created to accomplish. True
leaders do not care about being popular or right, they are not ashamed of their
purpose (NIV, Jeremiah 30:19-22). No worthwhile reform happens without the
guidance and vision of people that want to influence change (Schwantes, 2015).
The essence of leadership is the ability to move people forward and create
progress. In the beginning of time, God gave humankind the command to care for
and manage the earth (Genesis 1:27). This could not happen without leadership.
God did not leave this desire in man's heart without leaving humankind one of
the greatest books on leadership in history, the Bible. God has given each
person the ability to become a leader. They must be brave enough to follow the
calling. To follow this passion requires the person to cultivate their leadership
potential, a great determination, hard work and a belief failure is not
possible (Boden, 2014).
The
impact of quality of care on patients lives
One of the highest expenses of most American household is medical costs.
On average, an American household spends 20% of their income annually on
healthcare costs (Tordrup, 2013). Every year, 6.1 million Americans experience
a medical error that causes disability or death. One of the largest portions of
the national debt is a result of health care cost from Medicaid and Medicare
expenses (Tordrup, 2013). These medical errors cost the United States 17.1
billion dollars yearly (Tordrup, 2013). To insure that health care remains in
reach of the average citizen requires nurse leaders that are dedicated to
improving the quality and safety of care provided. Research indicates that
nursing leadership styles have a direct influence on patient safety (Lievens
& Vlerick, 2013). Nursing leaders that engaged in mentoring and educating staff,
to provide quality and safe care, improved patient outcomes and had higher
levels of safe practices on their units (Lievens & Vlerick, 2013).
Christian nurse leaders are called to care for Gods people (Proverbs, 27:23).
As Christian nurse leaders, by improving health outcome and safety, we are not
only caring for God's , we are protecting the economic viability of the United
States government (Lievens & Vlerick, 2013).
Many nurses in the profession have made lasting changes to improve the
life of patients. Nurses throughout history have fought to create better health
outcomes for some of the most vulnerable population (Glembock &
Fitzapatrick, 2013). These women are examples of true servant leaders. Their
selfless way of caring for others more than themselves changed the lives of
many people. Through their selfless actions, they have made lasting
contributions not only to the profession of nursing, but have changed the world
for the better.
One such nurse servant leader was Dorothea Dix. Despite abuse as a child
at the hands of
an alcoholic father, she went on to serve the poor selflessly (Glembock &
Fitzapatrick, 2013). Dix began teaching Sunday school at a local prison and
found the conditions deplorable and the lack of care for the mentally ill
obsolete. She spoke with elected officials
in North America and Canada and
lobbied for reform. Despite many challenges and obstacles, she was able to
start the first mental hospitals for the poor (Glembock & Fitzapatrick,
2013). Dix is proof the power of love can inspire change and change people's
lives for the better.
A perfect example of servant leadership is Christ. Despite being the
most powerful man in history and able to have anything he desired, Jesus used
his influence to care for all humankind (1 John 5:20). Jesus sacrificed his
very life to provide everlasting life for all humankind who choose to believe
(John 3:16). Instead of using might to influence others you chose to use love
in action. The heart of servant leadership is perfectly exhibited by the person
of Jesus Christ. His love and passion changed the world. Jesus basic motivation
was love of the followers (John, 13: 1-17).
How worldview affects Leaderships
styles and perspectives
Great leaders adapt their leadership style
to match the, organization, team's specific needs and situation (Schwantes,
2015). Studies indicate the leadership style of the manager was responsible for
30% of the company's profitability (Schwantes, 2015). Effective leaders analyze
the situation at hand and apply the leadership style that would best suit the
job at hand. High functioning leaders are fluid in their leadership methods
(Schwantes, 2015).
The
values and beliefs of the leader have a significant influence on the leadership
style of an individual. The actions of an individual stem from their fundamental
values and beliefs (Schwantes, 2015).The Bible states that the issues of life
good or evil, start first in the persons heart (Luke, 6:45). Therefore, the
leadership style chosen by the individual is often a result of their internal
beliefs system. To become a true Christian leader, it first begins with a
belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God. When the person decides to believe in
Jesus Christ, they receive a new heart that is pure and they become a son or
daughter of God. The person than never dies but, receives life after death.
This process changes the motives of the Christian leader from worldly motives
to ones that are heavenly (John, 1:12). When a person except Jesus into their heart
his spirit resides in the individual and he guides them to help fulfill a
purpose that is greater than this world (Ezekiel, 36:26). The work God has
given the servant leader on earth now has eternal significance. The leader is
now given the task to use his or her gift to allow all other on earth to learn
of the gift of life after death, if they choose to follow Jesus Christ (Mark,
16:15).
To be an effective leader requires that an
individual be self-aware and understand the many factors that influence
leadership style to include, beliefs, culture, experience, values, society and
individual temperament ( Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). For a leader to be
effective they must behave in a way that is consistent with their underlining
beliefs and values (Khiliji, Keilson, Shakir & Shrestha, 2015). In
addition, leadership requires that a person understands their strengths and
weakness. Authentic leadership has it foundation in relationships. To have the
ability to influence others requires the leader to be true to who they are and
that begins with understanding self (Khiliji, et al., 2015).
Furthermore,
leaders must understand the different types of leadership styles and their
effects on the business climate. The first type of leader is the innovative leader.
This type of leader can create results quickly if they have a highly skilled
and motivated team (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). This leadership style expects
excellence quickly. Staffs are supposed to follow the leader without question.
This type of leadership can be highly motivating if used occasionally but, if
used to often it can cause staff to feel overwhelmed and burnout (Kelly &
Tazibir, 2014).
The authoritative
leader, uses influence to control others behavior (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014).
This type of leader focuses on the results. This leadership style is best for
uncomplicated tasks and novice employees (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). This type
of leadership can get results but employees learn to rely on the direction of
the leader, rather than use creativity to solve their own problems. Autocratic
leadership is best used when decisions have to be made quickly (Kelly &
Tazibir, 2014). This is the best style to use in an emergency.
Another leadership style is the autocratic
leadership style. This type of leadership is based on relationships (Kelly
& Tazibir, 2014). These managers create a sense of belonging to an
organization. Democratic leaders delegate responsibility to others. When decisions
are made, the leader evolves the entire team. This type of leader is liberal
with praise and nurturing (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). Autocratic leadership is
valuable when multiple levels of input would be valuable to a decision.
Managers could also use this style when teams need to rebuild trust in an
organization (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). This type of leadership should not be
used exclusively because it can result in lack of employee direction and
mediocre performance (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014).
The laissez-faire leader is the everything goes manager (Kelly
& Tazibir, 2014). The manager gives very little supervision or direction.
This leadership style can increase creativity in employees (Kelly &
Tazibir, 2014). Research shows using this as the only leadership style can
result in low productivity and frustrated employees (Kelly & Tazibir,
2014). One example this type of leadership would be valuable is when a team is
brainstorming to find a solution to a problem.
Another type of manager is the coach. Coaches build leaders for
the future (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014).This type of managers engages staff to
develop talents that make them more successful within the organization and in
life. Coaches build on the strength of others, to build a stronger organization
(Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). This type of leadership is successful when you
have skilled employees that are willing to learn. This type of leadership takes
time, resources and commitment on the part of the leader and employees.
Coaching should be used to mentor employee that have shown commitment to the
organization (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014).
Coercive managers demand
immediate compliance (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). This type of leader is
important in times of crisis or extreme emergency. Examples this type of
leadership is effective are company turnover, actual emergencies and times when
employees and customers are in danger. This type of leadership is also
effective to use with an employee, when every other type of leadership has
failed. Mostly this type of leadership should be avoided because it stifles
inventiveness, responsibility and causes people to feel alienated (Kelly &
Tazibir, 2014).
To have long-term leadership success requires a combination of
all these styles of leadership. This begins when a person is aware of his or
her own values and beliefs and others perception of their leadership. To be a
truly effective leader with lasting influence requires that the leader's
actions match with the vision they are trying to communicate with others (Kelly
& Tazibir, 2014). The most effective leaders match their leadership style
to the situation (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). No one style is no more effective
than the other but, rather when used in combination create success (Kelly &
Tazibir, 2014).
Personal leadership style
In the students current practice all these forms of leadership
have been used in the last twenty-five years of practice. The student has found
that it is important to build relationship with the staff prior to trying to
influence positive change within the organization. In the students, current
practice there was a mass exodus of nurse's managers that reached retirement in
a small community hospital. All of the nurse managers held their positions
thirty plus years. Many of these nurse leaders had failed to create a legacy
plan and this has left chaos, fear, resentment and confusion on the nursing
units. The units were filled with novice nurses and lacking leadership. During
the year and a half that it took to fill, the leadership roles the quality of
patient care decreased and our once coveted patient satisfaction scores fell
dramatically. As an organization, it lost some of the trust the community had
in the care provided, because of leaders' failure to create successors.
As a leader, the student found using a combination of leadership
styles to be most effective. The student
began to understand the importance of leaving a legacy of future nurse leaders
to care for the community. The student began coaching nurses to take on the
role of nurse leader in the future. The student used an autocratic leadership
style to build relationships with the new nurses. Because without relationships
a leaders influence is limited (Buppert, 2014). The student is manager of a
pediatric critical care unit with many novice nurses, the student often has to
be very authoritative and give directions during emergencies that are expected
to be carried out quickly and efficiently. The student has also used the
laissez-faire style of leadership, when as a unit we decided to host a party
for kids that had been in our department in the past. As the manager, the
student allowed the staff to take the lead and it turned out wonderful.
This last year has
been a trail and a joy. The student learned that it just as important how you start
something as well as how you end it (1 Corinthians 9:24). Leaders that fail to
create successors that will continue to carry on the mission and passion of the
organization have failed. This is demonstrated in Jesus life, he left the
twelve disciples behind to carry on his mission to communicate the love of his
Father to the world. As Christian leaders,
we have the same mission to create men and women who glorify God through their
work. Through the same obedience Jesus had to his Father, the Bible says God
will show favor to a thousand generations (Exodus, 20:23). For a Christian
leader to be truly successful they must be obedient to the word of God and tell
of his love.
Ethical and legal implications that effect leaders
The use and
understanding of ethics in health care is more significant than ever before in
history. The increased use of technology places nurses in an ethical dilemma
that has never been debated before in the profession (Boone, 2012). How does
the nursing profession use technology to advance medicine and patient safety
while protecting the patient's confidentiality? Patients are also living longer
and healthier lives but, as a society as a whole is still struggling on how to
provide dignified end of life care. Questions have risen on how bullying and
incivility should be handled in the clinical setting. There is a push towards
personalized medicine and genetic engineering as s profession, when does the
nurse advocate that the medical advancement has gone too far. With the ever-changing
tide of health care, a nurse must have guiding principles to steer the
profession (Boone, 2012).
The legal role of the nurse manager is to
create a health care environment that supports professional practice, employee
engagement, high quality, safe, efficient care (Kangasniemi, Mojtaba, Jasper
& Turunen, 2012). Research demonstrates that nursing leadership has one of
the strongest influences on health and safety outcomes of patients (Storch,
Makaroff, Pauly, & Newton, 2013). Nurse leaders are held to the ethical and
moral standards of their practice. Failure to meet these standards can cause
harm to patients and result in legal action for the nurse leader (Storch, et
al., 2013). Nurse leaders have a legal responsibility for quality control of
nursing practice (Buppert, 2014). The nurse manager's role is to guide front
line staff toward shared goals of quality, efficiency, and excellence of
practice (Kagasniemi, et al., 2012). The nurse manager is legally and ethically
responsible to monitor care given by subordinates (Buppert, 2014). Areas of
concern for nursing malpractice include communication issues, problems in
treatment of patients, safety issues, understaffing, medication errors, failure
to monitor quality and safety of patient care and violation of confidentiality
laws (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014).
God
expects Christian leaders to follow the laws of society (Romans, 13, 1-7). God
is a God, of order and peace; the laws of the land are there to maintain order
and protect the citizens (Romans, 13, 1-7). The Christian nurse leader can be
confronted with dilemmas when the laws of the land are vague or in conflict
with their beliefs. Nurse Managers have a responsibility to assist staff in
providing safe, cost effective, and appropriate care to the patient (Buppert, 2014).
The Christian nurse leader is also subject to the laws of God their profession,
society, public, civil and the organization in which they work (Kelly &
Tazibir, 2014).
The Christian nurse
leader has guidelines within the profession, to assist in making ethical and
legal practice decisions, the American nurse association code of ethics, the
nurse practice act, and the Holy Bible (Buppert, 2014). The American nurses'
association code of ethics is the underling goals, ethics, beliefs and standards
of the nursing profession (Ivey, 2015). This document calls to practice with
respect and compassion for each individual. This document outlines what it is
to combine the art and skill of a professional nurse to practice at the highest
level of profession (Ivey, 2015). The underling goal of the code is that nurses
should use their influence to provide dignity, respect, culturally sensitive,
high quality, evidence based care to all patients (Ivey, 2015). The Bible is
the ultimate book on leadership given to humankind by God.
The nurse practice act is regulations
and laws that protect the public from unsafe nursing practice (Kelly &
Tazibir, 2014). The nurse practice act defines a set of standards from which a
nurse should guide their professional practice and understand the scope of care
rendered. This document distinguishes between ethical and legal practices
within the profession (Kelly & Tazibir, 2014). This document should be the
guiding principles of practice for the nurse leader and all that is influence
within his or her sphere of leadership (Ivey, 2015).
The Bible is the word
of God to guide all Christians during their time on earth. The foundation of
the nursing profession was based on principles given in the Holy Scriptures.
The Bible has infallible advice to guide Christian nurse leaders to manage
others but also provide the highest possible care to their patients
(Revelation, 22:18). The Bible contains all the needed information for living
(Psalm, 19:7). This Holy book will guide the Christian nurse leader in the
right beliefs and actions to guide their professional practice.
What it means to be a Christian servant leader
Researchers have concluded the
Forbes top 100 company's leaders have many characteristics in common and they
are all components of servant leadership (Schwantes, 2015). These qualities are,
fostering collaboration, clearly articulating goals, valuing and appreciating
all team members, supporting others through service and engaging in honest
evaluation of self and others (Schwantes, 2015). Health care reform in the Unites states
requires nurse leaders develop new styles of leadership (Lacasse, 2013).
Studies show that the health care industry is behind other industries by 15-20
years in leadership development (Trastek, Hamilton, & Niles, 2014). Studies
indicate that health care organizations that have servant-based leadership have
happier employees and higher customer satisfaction (Gunnarsdottir, 2014).
Effective servant
leaders use a combination of many different leadership styles (Gunnarsdottir,
2014). The difference between servant leadership and other forms of
administration is, servant leadership is based on relationships and has an
ethical and moral component (Van Dierendonck & Nuijten, 2011). Furthermore,
servant leaders place a high importance on coaching individual to reach their
highest potential in order to create better organizations (Van Dierendonck
& Nuijten, 2011). Christian servant leaders are following a higher calling they
know the work given to them is by God, to fulfill his purpose (Exodus, 18:20).
Christian servant leaders try to imitate Christ by leading with love, humility,
altruism, vision, trust and empowerment (Van Dierendonck & Nuijten, 2011).
The servant leader places the importance of others above themselves
(Philippines, 2:3).
Building healthy collaborative teams and a culture of success
In the United States, legislation is
changing how nursing managers must lead direct care nurses (Sprayberry, 2014).The
health care reforms are giving nurses a bigger role in health care delivery. As
health care is being remodeled, nursing leadership styles of the past will no
longer be effective. Nurse Managers must move to more of a role of a supportive
coach that empowers direct care nurse to provide value based care (Sprayberry,
2014). With the
complexity and fast changing pace of the health care industry, leaders have to
build health care teams that adapt quickly to chaotic environment (Sergeant
& Laws –Chapman, 2012). One of the most significant ways that a nurse
leader can affect the quality and safety of patients is through team building
with front line staff (Sergeant & Laws –Chapman, 2012). Servant leaders
build strong teams through teaching and mentoring staff. The leader should
communicate and display the value of each member of the organization and their
unique contribution to the purpose and goals of the team (Sergeant & Laws
–Chapman, 2012). These goal and objective should be clearly communicated by the
leader. The Christian leader can mentor collaboration and teamwork through
their behavior. The Bible states that when people work together they are more
efficient and the work is easier (Ecclesiastes, 4:9-12).
Leaders persuade others in their sphere of
influence to provide safety and high quality care. The team's achievement
occurs by pooling the knowledge, skills, and energy of the entire health care
team. The leader can build strong influence by creating robust relationships
with each member of the team. The manager should also encourage strong
relationships among each team member (Sergeant & Laws –Chapman, 2012).
Patient safety is about the relationships between team members and their
commitment of working together to improve the quality of patient care.
Good leaders do not
listen to malicious gossip but deal and fix problems (Proverbs, 28:2). Leaders
must communicate the value of each individual to the organization. Research
shows that mangers that take time to build strong health care teams have
improved nursing staff retention and satisfaction, which correlates with
customer reports of higher quality of care provided (Sergeant & Laws
–Chapman, 2012). Good team building requires that the leader provide feedback,
goals and accountability within an organization. Furthermore, team building
requires leaders continually develop all staff within an organization to reach
their fullest potential.
Christian leaders serving as a
role model to the world
As a Christian nurse leader it is are
responsibility to model Jesus in the workplace. By performing work to the
highest possible quality we are capable, with a good attitude, we many inspire
others in the workplace to desire to know and worship God (Colossians,
3:23-24). As Christians we must understand that are boss is God and he will
provide are reward (Romans 8:17).
Therefore as Christians we are to do our best regardless of our
circumstances (Philippines, 2: 1-11). We must adjust our mindset to see work as
an opportunity to please God and be a blessing to those around us (1
Corinthians, 7:23).
One of the foundational principles of
Christian servant leadership is to treat others, as you would want to be
treated (Luke, 6:31). The servant leader should not be self-absorbed but rather
humble and treat others as more important than themselves (Philippines 2:3).
The servant leader creates a culture of success by the service he or she
provides to others. God has given everyone a unique calling and the ability to
be a leader, if a person asks he will guide his or her work (Exodus, 18:9).
Leadership has a great deal to do with the attitude of the leader. Leadership
is a trusted privilege given by the followers.
Annotated Bibliography
Boone, L. W., & Makhani, S. (2012). Five necessary attitudes of a
servant leader. Review of Business, 33(1), 83-96. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1367068417?accountid=12085
The use and understanding
of ethics in health care is more significant than ever before in history. The increased
use of technology places nurses in an ethical dilemma that has never been
debated before in the profession. How does the nursing profession use
technology to advance medicine and patient safety while protecting the
patient's confidentiality? Patients are also living longer and healthier lives
but, as a society as a whole is still struggling on how to provide dignified
end of life care. Questions have risen on how bullying and incivility should be
handled in the clinical setting. There is a push towards personalized medicine
and genetic engineering as s profession when does the nurse advocate that the
medical advancement has gone too far. With the ever-changing tide of health care,
a nurse must have guiding principles to steer the profession.
Boden, T. W., C.M.P.E. (2014). The first shall be last: The essence of
servant-leadership. The Journal of Medical Practice Management: MPM, 29(6),
378-9. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1540478455?accountid=12085
Servant leadership has
linage in the teachings of Jesus. The Bible states the greatest among you shall
be servants. Research indicates top performing healthcare organizations have
leaders that demonstrate qualities of servant leadership. In contrast poor
performing health care organizations also had leaders with common
characteristics to include leaders that were unapproachable, attitudes of
entitlement, lack of empathy for others, contempt for subordinates, fear others
are trying to take advantage of them, lack of interest in team building, and
the use of fear rather than influence to create change. Servant leadership is
more than a method of leadership it is a mindset for that is in the heart of
the leader. Servant leadership is about valuing and caring for others.
Buppert, C. (2014).
How to deal with 3 legal issues keeping nurses and managers awake at
night. Nurse
Leader, 12(5), 71-75. doi:doi.10.1016/j.mnl.2014.02.002
Nurse Managers
have an obligation ethically and legally to protect the safety and rights of
patients. Nurse mangers must be able to balance the needs of the business with
the needs of their staff, to create a therapeutic cost effective place for
patients to heal. The nurse leader is held to laws and ethics of society and
profession. Two documents that all nursing leaders should be familiar with in
the nurse practice act and the American nurses code of ethics.
Glembocki,
M. Fitzpatrick, J. (2013). Advancing professional nursing practice.
Minneapolis, MI.
The world of health care is rapidly
changing. The advancement in technology has
improved patient outcomes and safety.
Nurses feel that the technology is moving them
farther away from patient care. This
book provides inspiration from of many of the
mothers of the profession on how to
combined the art and skill of nursing in the
new age of information.
Gunnarsdóttir, S. (2014). Is
servant leadership useful for sustainable Nordic health care?
Vard i
Norden, 34(2), 53-55. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1558357385?accountid=12085
The authors of this
research discovered that hospitals that use a servant based leadership style in
their health care organizations have happier employees and higher customer
satisfactions scores. Effective servant leaders use a combination of many
different leadership styles. The founding principles of servant leadership is
consciousness, helping others and ethics. Servant leaders use a service model
rather than a power model of leadership. This article gives insight on how to
build successful health care cultures using service based leadership.
Ivey, J. (2015). What matters? values and ethics in nurses. Pediatric
Nursing, 41(4), 196. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1705656137?accountid=12085
The American nurses'
association code of ethics is the underling goals, ethics, beliefs and
standards of the nursing profession. This document calls to practice with
respect and compassion for each individual. This document outlines what it is
to combine the art and skill of a professional nurse to practice at the highest
level of profession. The underling goal of the code is that nurses should use
their influence to provide dignity, respect, culturally sensitive, high
quality, evidence based care to all patients.
Kangasniemi, M., Vaismoradi, M.,
Jasper, M., & Turunen, H. (2013). Ethical issues in patient safety:
Implications for nursing management. Nursing Ethics, 20(8), 904-16.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0969733013484488
To be an effective leader
requires that an individual be self-aware and understand the many factors that
influence leadership style to include, beliefs, culture, experience, values,
society and individual temperament. For a leader to be effective they must
behave in a way that is consistent with their underlining beliefs and values.
In addition, leadership requires that a person understands their strengths and
weakness. Authentic leadership has it foundation in relationships. To have the
ability to influence others requires the leader to be true to who they are and
that begins with understanding self.
Kelly, P., & Tazbir, J.
(2014). Nursing leadership management and motivation. In Nursing
leadership and management (3 rd ed. (pp. 1-21). Clifton Park, NY:
Cengage Learning.
Liberty University. (2015). NURS
523: Financial and resource management for nurse
leaders (3 ed.). Burlington, MA: World
Headquarters
This is a comprehensive
textbook on nursing leadership. The authors of this text discuss research and
data regarding the latest management styles. In addition, the text includes
management theories and application. Furthermore, the text covers aspects of
budgeting, quality improvement, evidence based patient care, team building,
ethical and legal considerations in nursing, work place diversity, strategic
planning, patient safety, personal and career planning. This text will support
the importance of leadership and ethics to creating a productive, safe, quality
driven health care team.
Khilji, S. E., Keilson, B., Shakir, F. Y., & Shrestha, B. K. (2015).
Self, follower, organization and the context - a cross-cultural view of
authentic leadership. South Asian Journal of Global Business Research, 4(1),
2. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1655514300?accountid=12085
To be an effective leader requires self-knowledge
and behaving in a way consistent with the
leaders underlining beliefs. Authentic leadership has it foundation in
relationships. To have the ability to influence others requires the leader to
be true to who they are. This requires the leader have an understanding of
their self, beliefs and values.
Lacasse, C. (2013, September-October). Developing nursing leaders for
the future: achieving competency for
transformational leadership. Oncology Nursing Forum, 40(5),
431+. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA344214703&sid=summon&v=2.1&u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=da47e4baca80841b1d6d74f739ed36c7
The
health care industry is experiencing rapid change. Health care reform in the
United States requires nurse leaders to use new leadership styles. Research is
demonstrating that transformational leaders are suited to lead in this new age
of healthcare. Transformational leaders have a clear vision and a passion for
the health care organizations they serve. Transformational nursing leaders are
able to influence others to follow their vision to improve health care.
Qualities of transformational leaders include having a large-scale perspective,
the ability to understand new healthcare technology, knowledge of the latest
evidence-based measures, the skill to harmonize leadership with performance
expectations, the aptitude to facilitate policy and procedure and the capacity
to guide staff in continuous performance improvement. Successful
transformational leaders engage in lifelong learning. This journal article
demonstrates a leadership style that is effective in today's healthcare
industry.
& (2013) Transformational
leadership and safety performance among
nurses: the mediating role of knowledge-related job
characteristics. Journal of Advanced Nursing 70(3), 651–661. Retrieved from http://10.1111/jan.12229
The researchers of this
journal article provide evidence certain types of leadership affect patient
safety. One of the major characteristic of nurse leaders that have higher
levels of safe practices on their units is the ability to stimulate their staff
intellectually. The most effective nurse leaders in this study to improve
patient safety were transformational leaders. This study also demonstrated that
transformational leadership might be taught through education and
mentoring. Nursing leaders are
responsible ethically to provide nursing staff with the knowledge and resources
to provide safe patient care. This article demonstrates that nursing leadership
style can affect patient outcomes and is important to the success of nursing
unit.
Schwantes, M. (2015). Servant
leadership. Leadership Excellence, 32(5), 30-31. Retrieved
Through research, the
authors of this article conclude many leaders that have found themselves on the
Forbes top 100 companies have leadership characteristics in common. The
personality that are shared include the ability to build long- term trusting
relationships, empathy for others, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship,
commitment to growth of themselves and subordinates, and active community
building. The authors describe this successful type of leadership as servant
leadership. This article will provide a valuable resource to describe what
servant leadership is and prove that it is an effective method of leadership in
the health care industry.
Sergeant, J.,
& Laws-Chapman, C. (2012). Creating a positive work place culture.
Nursing Management (through 2013), 18(9),
14-9. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/920765092?accountid=12085
The authors of this
journal article provide evidence that leaders can build stronger health care
teams by teaching and mentoring health care staff in resilience training. With
the complexity and fast changing pace of the health care industry, leaders have
to build health care teams that can adapt quickly to chaotic environments. The
researchers of this article concluded through investigation leaders can
increase the resiliency of their staff through inspiring others through vision
and purpose. Leaders who model resilient behaviors have teams with higher
productivity. Behaviors of resilient leaders include exhibiting work life
balance, positive thinking, maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, engaging
in spiritual activities regularly exercise and downtime. This research
demonstrates areas for leaders to build more effective and productive staff.
Storch, J., Makaroff, K. S., Pauly, B., & Newton, L. (2013). Take me
to my leader: The importance of ethical leadership among formal nurse leaders.
Nursing Ethics, 20(2), 150-7.
Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0969733012474291
Leadership has
a significant impact on the health and safety outcomes of patients. Leaders
persuade others in their sphere of influence to support and maintain ethical
health care practices. In order to be an effective moral leader, a person must
have a strong foundation of values and sense of self. Nurse leaders are held to
ethical and moral standards in society. Nurse leaders who fail to live up to
these standards can jeopardize patient's lives and face legal consequences.
This journal article provides ethical implications of the nurse leader's
role.
Sprayberry,
L. D. (2014, January-February). Transformation of America's health care
system: implications for professional
direct-care nurses. MedSurg Nursing, 23(1), 61+.
Retrieved from
In
the United States, legislation is changing how nursing managers must lead
direct care nurses. The health care reforms are giving nurses a bigger role in
health care delivery. As health care is being remodeled, nursing leadership
styles of the past will no longer be effective. Nurse Managers must move to
more of a role of a supportive coach that empowers direct care nurse to provide
value based care.
Tordrup, D., Angelis, A., & Kanavos, P. (2013). Preferences on
policy options for ensuring the
financial sustainability of health care services in the future: Results
of a stakeholder survey. Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, 11(6),
639-52. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1495407398?accountid=12085
One
of the highest expenses of most American household is medical expenses. On
average, a American household spends 20% of their income annually on healthcare
costs. Annually 6.1 million Americans experience a medical error that causes
disability or death. One of the largest portions of the national debt is a
result of health care cost from Medicaid and Medicare expenses. These medical
errors cost the United States 17.1 billion dollars yearly. To insure that
health care remains in reach of the average citizen requires nurse leaders that
are dedicated to improving the quality and safety of care provided.
Trastek, V. F., M.D., Hamilton, N. W., J.D., & Niles, Emily E,B.S.,
J.D. (2014). Leadership models in health care-A case for servant leadership.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 89(3), 374-81. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1507834035?accountid=12085
It is of
greater importance than ever before in history for nursing management to
receive education on leadership. The increased complexity of healthcare system
has rendered previous styles of leadership obsolete. Studies have shown the
healthcare industry is behind other industry by 15 to 20 years in leadership
development. As a industry we are failing to create future leaders.
Investigation has show that most healthcare facilities have limited
opportunities and education for leadership development. As a industry we are
failing to train individuals to lead us into the future. To improve team
building in organizations we, must begin by assisting the next generation of
nurses to lead us into the future.
Van Dierendonck, D., & Nuijten, I. (2011). The servant leadership
survey: Development and validation of a multidimensional measure. Journal of
Business and Psychology, 26(3), 249-267. Retrieved from :http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10869-010-9194-1
The difference between
servant leadership and other forms of administration is servant leadership has
a moral and ethical component. Furthermore, servant leaders place a higher
emphasis on the relationship with their followers. This relationship coaches
individuals to reach their highest potential in order to create a better health
care organization. Servant leaders function from a paradigm of social
responsibility of trust and fairness. This type of leadership builds teams that
are steward and responsible for their work
