in a specific practice area. A better understanding of how one thinks leads to
knowledge of why one acts in ways that ultimately affect practice decisions.
An example was when a nurse disagreed with an institutional policy change
relating to withdrawal of food and fluids for terminally ill patients in specific
circumstances because he had different beliefs about life and death. He spoke
with his nurse manager and the chaplain assigned to that unit in an effort to
alleviate his discomfort. By understanding the ethical rationale behind this
institutional policy and devising strategies he could use when faced with
such a situation, he was able to continue working on this unit. Because of his
self-awareness, he was able to seek resources to understand the meaning of the
new policy and promote his continued job satisfaction.
Awareness of one’s unit is also an important component of self-awareness.
This is also known as situational awareness, whereby nurses perceive, compre-
hend, and anticipate possible outcomes based on what is happening in their
environments (Gluyas & Harris, 2016). On one level, knowing the names and
some characteristics about coworkers is basic. On a higher level, understand-
ing what motivates certain people or knowing how different people react to
changes can assist the innovator when change education is needed. The unit,
or social system, is where the staff shares a common culture. It is important
to know this culture, because diffusion of innovation occurs within the social
system (Rogers, 2003). MacIntosh (2003) noted the importance of realizing
one’s practice as a part of finding one’s professional identity when beginning
work as a new graduate. In this stage, she noted that “nurses begin to develop
an awareness of their work contexts that enables them to recognize discrep-
ancies, compare competence, experience dissonance, and attempt to balance
differences” (p. 732). Having an awareness of one’s unit and colleagues increases
self-awareness that will enhance one’s practice.
Socialization to the unit helps to assimilate the new nurse. Things that help
with unit awareness include uncovering who the formal and informal leaders
are, how education occurs, levels of communication for implementing practice
changes, and possible motivators that are positive rewards for staff (often this
is food). Awareness of both oneself and the unit assists the innovator to create
positive changes that can improve patient care and allow the new nurse to be
an effective team member.Communication Skills
Another characteristic of an innovator is use of good communication skills.
Although these are vital skills as a nurse and leader, they are also important
as an innovator. Rogers (2003) defined communication as “a process in which
participants create and share information with one another in order to reachKEY TERM
socialization:
Awareness about
formal and informal
rules of behavior452 CHAPTER 17 Developing Oneself as an Innovator