Apply What You Have Learned
Do you have what it takes to be an innovator? Complete these assessments to learn more about
your leadership styles.- The Emotional Quotient Assessment at http://www.ihhp.com/free-eq-quiz/
- The New Enneagram Test at http://9types.com/rheti/index.php
» The four characteristics of an innovator are a sense of inquiry, flexibility to change, awareness
of self and the unit, and good communication skills.
» A sense of inquiry is one’s curiosity and can lead to seeking knowledge that improves patient
care. This characteristic is analogous to being a critical thinker.
» Flexibility is the willingness to try something new, and it requires an openness to failure.
» Self-awareness is knowing yourself, and it helps you understand how you make decisions
about practice. Awareness about the unit facilitates change because of understanding the
social system.
» Communication skills are vital to leading and being a change agent.
» Lifelong learning takes place in formal and informal ways, both of which can contribute to
EBP. Formal ways of learning include enrolling in graduate programs, attending conferences,
and participating in in-services. Informal learning can involve reading literature, attending
journal clubs, networking at meetings, and mentoring.
» Orientation, ladder programs, and personal development files are ways to develop oneself
on the job.
» Setting goals and peer review are components of performance appraisals and employment
reviews.
» EBP practice changes are facilitated when a team approach is used.
» The wheel of professionalism in nursing is a model that lists professional behaviors.
» Nurses are obligated to develop themselves as lifelong learners to thrive both personally and
professionally.RAPID REVIEW
466 CHAPTER 17 Developing Oneself as an Innovator