Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 5th Edition

68 unit 1 | Professional Considerations

■Read journals and books in your specialty area.
■Participate in nursing research projects related to
your clinical specialty area.
■Discuss with colleagues in nursing and other dis-
ciplines how to handle a difficult clinical situation.
■Observe the practice of experienced nurses.
■Return to school to earn a bachelor’s degree and
higher degrees in nursing.

You can probably think of more, but this list at least

gives you some ideas. You can also share the knowl-

edge and experience you have gained with other

people. This means not only using your knowledge

to improve your own practice but also communi-

cating what you have learned to your colleagues in

nursing and in other health-care professions. It also

means letting your supervisors know that you have

enhanced your professional competence. You can

share your knowledge with your patients, empow-

ering them as well. You may even reach the point at

which you have learned more about a particular

subject than most nurses have and want to write

about it for publication.

Conclusion

Although most nurses are employed by health-care

organizations, too few nurses have taken the time

to analyze the operation of their employing health-

care organizations and the effect it has on their

practice. Understanding organizations and the

power relationships within them will increase the

effectiveness of your leadership.

Study Questions

1. Describe the organizational characteristics of a facility in which you currently have a clinical
   assignment. Include the following: the type of organization, the organizational culture, how the
   organization is structured, and the formal and informal goals and processes of the organization.


2. Define power, and describe how power affects the relationships between people of different
   disciplines (e.g., nursing, medicine, physical therapy, housekeeping, administration, finance, social
   work) in a health-care organization.


3. Discuss ways in which nurses can become more empowered. How can you use your leadership
   skills to do this?

Case Study to Promote Critical Reasoning

Tanya Washington will finish her associate’s degree nursing program in 6 weeks. Her preferred

clinical area is pediatric oncology, and she hopes to become a pediatric nurse practitioner one day.

Tanya has received two job offers, both from urban hospitals with large pediatric populations.

Because several of her friends are already employed by these facilities, she asked them for their

thoughts.

“Central Hospital is a good place to work,” said one friend. “It is a dynamic, growing institution,

always on the cutting edge of change. Any new idea that seems promising, Central is the first to try

it. It’s an exciting place to work.”

“City Hospital is also a good place to work,” said her other friend. “It is a strong, stable institution

where traditions are valued. Any new idea must be carefully evaluated before it is adapted. It’s been a

pleasure to work there.”

Participate in interdisciplinary conferences

Attend continuing education offerings

Attend professional organization meetings

Read books and journals related to

your nursing practice

Problem-solve and brainstorm

with colleagues

Return to school to earn a higher degree

Figure 5.4How to increase your expert power.