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:
- Select an issue from the following list: bullying, unit closers and restructuring, floating, nurse turnover, nurse staffing ratios, use of contract employees (i.e., registry and travel nurses), or magnet designation.
- Describe the selected issue. Discuss how it impacts quality of care and patient safety in the setting in which it occurs.
- Discuss how professional standards of practice should be demonstrated in this situation to help rectify the issue or maintain professional conduct.
- Explain the differing roles of nursing leaders and nursing managers in this instance and discuss the different approaches they take to address the selected issue and promote patient safety and quality care. Support your rationale by using the theories, principles, skills, and roles of the leader versus manager described in your readings.
- Discuss what additional aspects mangers and leaders would need to initiate in order to ensure professionalism throughout diverse health care settings while addressing the selected issue.
- Describe a leadership style that would best address the chosen issue. Explain why this style could be successful in this setting.
Use at least three peer-reviewed journal articles other than those presented in your text or provided in the course.
Resources: Review “Code of Ethics for Nurse With Interpretive Statements,” by the American Nurses Association (ANA) (2015), located on the ANA website.
Read “A Servant Leader and Their Stakeholders: When Does Organizational Structure Enhance Leader’s Influence?” by Neubert, Hunter, and Tolentino, from The Leadership Quarterly (2016).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1048984316300297
Read “Growing Nurse Leaders: Their Perspectives on Nursing Leadership and Today’s Practice Environment,” by Dyess, Sherman, Pratt, and Chiang-Hanisko, from Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (2016).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: The nursing profession faces several issues that affect the quality of care provided to patients. It is essential to understand the different approaches of nursing leaders and managers to address these challenges and ensure optimal patient safety and quality care. In this paper, we will focus on nurse staffing ratios and the roles of nursing leaders and managers in addressing this issue.
Nurse Staffing Ratios:
Nurse staffing ratios is a pressing issue that healthcare facilities face. It refers to the number of nurses available to provide care to patients compared to the number of patients in need of care. Inadequate nurse staffing ratios can lead to several adverse consequences, including medication errors, patient falls, and increased mortality rates.
The impact of poor nurse staffing ratios on patient care quality and safety is evident. According to a study by Needleman et al. (2011), higher nurse staffing ratios were associated with lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to find ways of addressing this issue to ensure optimal patient safety and care.
To address nurse staffing ratios, nursing leaders and managers need to demonstrate professional standards of practice. They should ensure that the nurse-to-patient ratio meets the recommended standards set by accrediting bodies. Additionally, they should provide adequate resources to support the nursing staff, enable them to work effectively and efficiently, and promote a safe and healthy working environment.
Nursing leaders and managers approach this issue differently. Nursing managers focus on ensuring adequate staffing levels, setting targets for recruitment, and developing retention plans. On the other hand, nursing leaders focus on inspirational leadership, motivating nurses, providing education and training opportunities, and ensuring that nurses work in an environment conducive to their professional growth and development.
To ensure professionalism in diverse healthcare settings, nursing leaders and managers must collaborate with other stakeholders, including physicians and healthcare administrators. They should also ensure that nurses have a voice in decision-making processes to promote a culture of shared governance.
The servant leadership style would be most effective in addressing the nurse staffing ratios issue. This style emphasizes prioritizing the needs, well-being, and growth of the nursing staff to ensure optimal patient safety and care. Servant leaders inspire, motivate, and empower their subordinates to achieve their full potential.
In conclusion, nurse staffing ratios is a pressing issue that requires nursing leaders and managers’ commitment to addressing it. Professional standards of practice should be demonstrated at all times to maintain professional conduct and rectify the issue. Different approaches should be taken by nursing leaders and managers to promote optimal patient safety and care. Collaborating with other stakeholders and adopting a servant leadership style can ensure professionalism throughout diverse healthcare settings.
