Discussion Question:
It is critical to synthesize all of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nursing into an integrated whole that moves nurses from task completers to an overall demonstration of compassion and caring.
Thinking of nursing first as a job of caring and making a difference, as well as the work of giving medications on time, checking an X-ray to see if the doctor needs to be called, or taking an admission at 2:00 a.m. with a smile on our faces, reminds us of the synthesized whole of nursing work.
Write a reflection about this thought. Incorporate elements from this module’s objectives, as well as what you have learned in this course about leadership. You may include personal experiences and professional opinions if you wish.
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
ASSIGNMENT
Signature Assignment Title: What Makes a Good Leader?
Signature Assignment Description/Directions:
Choose one or more leadership topic(s) from your textbook or from a scholarly source from a previous discussion or assignment from this course and write about its application to nursing practice. Provide definitions, history/background, and major concepts of chosen topic. Describe the topic’s function in nursing practice by examining at least three different nursing roles (for example, bedside nurse, public health nurse, CNO, unit manager, etc.). Discuss how the leadership topic can be used in your own practice. Discuss your personal growth in regard to your chosen leadership topic. Evaluate personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to your career advancement.
Then, discuss the top three traits you feel makes a good nurse leader. Support your statements with examples from your practice experience and scholarly sources.
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 1750 to 2000 words in length
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of three scholarly sources plus the textbook are required.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Nursing is a profession that requires the integration of knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide compassionate and caring services to patients. This discussion question emphasizes the importance of synthesizing all nursing skills into an integrated whole that enhances the compassionate nature of the profession. Furthermore, the Signature Assignment focuses on leadership skills, a crucial aspect of nursing practice that nurses need to possess to ensure quality patient care.
Reflection on the Thought:
The thought that nursing first is a job of caring and making a difference and not just about completing tasks resonates with me. Nursing is not just about administering medications, performing procedures, or recording vital signs; it is more than that. It involves caring for patients in different aspects, such as physical, psychological, and emotional. As a nurse, it is essential to treat patients with dignity, respect, and empathy to create a therapeutic relationship that enhances the patient’s well-being. Additionally, nursing requires the integration of all skills and knowledge to provide quality care that meets the patient’s needs.
The module objectives highlight the need for nurses to demonstrate critical thinking, professionalism, communication, and patient-centered care. These objectives provide a framework for nurses to integrate different aspects of nursing into a cohesive whole that enhances patient outcomes. Additionally, leadership skills have become an integral part of the nursing profession, and nurses need to possess these skills to provide effective patient care. Through the course, I have learned that leadership skills such as communication, delegation, decision-making, and problem-solving are crucial in improving patient care quality.
Personal Experience and Professional Opinions:
In my experience as a nurse, I have realized that the nursing profession requires more than just technical skills. Patients need nurses who can understand their needs, provide emotional support, and advocate for them. Demonstrating compassion and caring in nursing practice improves patient satisfaction, outcomes, and reduces the risk of adverse events. Furthermore, interpersonal skills such as communication, collaboration, and teamwork enhance nursing care quality, and nurses need to possess these skills.
In my opinion, leadership skills are essential for nurses to provide quality care. Nurses should possess decision-making and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes. Additionally, communication skills are essential for nurses to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and patients effectively. Delegation is another crucial leadership skill that allows nurses to assign tasks appropriately based on their competency level and the patient’s needs.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nursing is more than just a job that involves completing tasks. It involves caring for patients in different aspects, such as physical, psychological, and emotional. The integration of knowledge, skills, and abilities enhances the compassionate nature of the nursing profession. Additionally, leadership skills are crucial for nurses to provide quality care that meets the patient’s needs. Nurses need to possess communication, delegation, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to improve patient outcomes.
