HSA 550 Leadership in The Healthy Workplace Establishment Discussion

A walk through the Business section of any bookstore or a quick Internet search on the topic will reveal a seemingly endless supply of writings on leadership. Formal research literature is also teeming with volumes on the subject.

However, your own observation and experiences may suggest these theories are not always so easily found in practice. Not that the potential isn’t there; current evidence suggests that leadership factors such as emotional intelligence and transformational leadership behaviors, for example, can be highly effective for leading nurses and organizations.

Yet, how well are these theories put to practice? In this Discussion, you will examine formal leadership theories. You will compare these theories to behaviors you have observed firsthand and discuss their effectiveness in impacting your organization.

To Prepare:

Review the Resources and examine the leadership theories and behaviors introduced.

Identify two to three scholarly resources, in addition to this Module’s readings, that evaluate the impact of leadership behaviors in creating healthy work environments.

Reflect on the leadership behaviors presented in the three resources that you selected for review.

Post two key insights you had from the scholarly resources you selected. Describe a leader whom you have seen use such behaviors and skills, or a situation where you have seen these behaviors and skills used in practice. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain to what extent these skills were effective and how their practice impacted the workplace.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by explaining how the leadership skills they described may impact your organization or your personal leadership, or by identifying challenges you see in applying the skills described.

REQUIRED READINGS

Broome, M., & Marshall, E. S. (2021). Transformational leadership in nursing: From expert clinician to influential leader (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.

Chapter 1, “Frameworks for Becoming a Transformational Leader” (pp. 2–19 ONLY)

Chapter 6, “Shaping Your Own Leadership Journey” (pp. 182-211)

Duggan, K., Aisaka, K., Tabak, R. G., Smith, C., Erwin, P., & Brownson, R. C. (2015). Implementing administrative evidence-based practices: Lessons from the field in six local health departments across the United States. BMC Health Services Research, 15(1). doi:10.1186/s12913-015-0891-3. Retrieved from https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/article…

RESOURCES FOR THE STRENGTHSFINDER ASSESSMENT TOOL

Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0 – with Access Code.Purchase the access code from the Walden bookstore. Then follow the instructions in the document “How to Access the Strengths Finder 2.0.

Document: How to Access Strengths Finder 2.0 (PDF)

REQUIRED MEDIA

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2014). Leadership [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Launch External Tool

Moore Foundation. (n.d.). Nurses share lessons in leadership. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLopRJPO6Gai…

Tawni Arthurs

Dear Dr. Stechschulte and Classmates,

Leadership Theories in Practice Part One

In nursing, the stressful nature of the profession frequently results in burnout, disability, and high absenteeism, which ultimately contributes to the escalating shortage of nurses. Leaders are crucial in retaining nurses by influencing the healthcare practice environment to produce quality outcomes for staff nurses and patients. However, there are few guidelines for establishing and maintaining the essential components of a healthy workplace (Shirey, 2006). According to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), healthy work environments are more likely to have nurse leaders who fully embrace the Healthy Work Environment (HWE) standards, creating a culture of compassionate care for team members and patients, which is essential for the nursing profession. The study advises nurse managers and leaders to ensure that the essential components of a healthy workplace are established and maintained (Shirey, 2006). Numerous studies in nursing have shown that relational leadership styles are consistently linked to successful workforce outcomes. A study published in Nursing Management found that relational leadership styles have been studied in nursing for years and are consistently associated with good workforce outcomes. These behaviors play a crucial role in fostering a healthy work environment for nurses (Raso & Fitzpatrick, 2021). These management techniques may affect patient outcomes, nursing retention rates, care quality, and job satisfaction (American Nurses Association, 2023). At the unit level, nurse leaders can contribute to developing a profoundly satisfying organizational culture by promoting a healthy work environment and authentically modeling it (Sherman & Pross, 2010).

Key Insights

Two key insights from the scholarly research selected are leadership behaviors significantly influencing the creation of a healthy work environment for nurses, and by embracing the HWE standards and adopting authentic leadership practices, nurse leaders can foster compassionate care, support professional growth, and contribute to nurse retention.

A Nurse Leader Who Fosters Compassionate Care, Supports Professional Growth, and Contributes to Nurse Retention

A nurse leader who has displayed leadership behaviors and skills that create a healthy work environment in practice is a nurse manager of the Criminal Justice Unit (CJS) unit. This unit manager met with a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) who was consistently diverting their attention from the monitors that were monitoring patients on a 1:1 observation for self-harming behaviors and aggression towards staff that were behind locked doors twenty-two hours a day for both their safety, the safety of other patients and the safety of the staff. The charge nurse on the unit had consistently spoken to the CNA about the seriousness of their actions to no avail. The nurse manager was informed of the situation and spoke to the CNA, convincing them to be more serious about their job. During the talk, the manager did not criticize the CNA, but reassured the CNA that they trusted and respected them, but informed the CNA that they should recognize that they were neglecting their duties, which could impact patient outcomes. The manager carefully listened to the CNAs’ reasons and thoughts to know their concerns and needs. The leader encouraged and supported the CNAs to improve their commitment to their position and addressed their concerns by implementing walkie-talkie radios so the CNAs observing the 1:1 patients on the monitor could communicate the patient’s needs to the floor without leaving the monitors. The CNAs became more committed to their work, stopped leaving the monitors to communicate the patient’s needs, improved their performance, and achieved the organization’s goals.

How the Nurse Manager’s Effective Leadership Skills Impacted the Workplace

In this situation, the nurse manager’s leadership skills were remarkably effective in enabling the CNA to recognize their mistake and assisting them to change their behavior. The leader’s open communication and active listening skills inspired and motivated the CNA, significantly impacting the behavior change. By listening to the needs and concerns of the CNA without criticizing them, the leader built a connection of trust with the nurse. The leader established a connection of trust with the nurse by being honest, fair, and open with the employee and inspiring them to decide on changing their behavior independently. The leadership skills generated a positive workplace, which motivated the nurse to be part of the organization’s vision instead of punishing him for his mistake. The skills promoted a workplace where the nurse felt appreciated and important, improving his satisfaction and dedication to his work and the organization. 

2nd Response..Renaldia Ulysse

LEADERSHIP THEORIES IN PRACTICE

Nursing requires a safe and supportive work environment to deliver exceptional patient care and fulfillment. Effective leadership plays a crucial role in cultivating such an atmosphere. Nurse leaders possessing specific traits and attributes can significantly impact their staff’s attitude and conduct, prioritizing patient safety. According to the American Nurses Association (2023), a nurse leader is defined by their actions rather than their position of authority. They inspire and influence others to achieve their full potential, using applied leadership in nursing by drawing upon critical thinking skills to manage a team.

Research indicates interactive and problem-specific meetings and training can develop a more knowledgeable and competent workforce. Duggan et al. (2015) noted that Leadership skills should also be prioritized in workforce development training as leaders can impact other areas of the local health department and overall productivity.

Influential nurse leaders shape workplace culture and advocate for positive changes in healthcare legislation. A team that respects and admires their leader’s qualities experiences higher morale and a psychologically safe work environment (American Nurses Association, 2023). Nursing leaders who make a significant impact ensure that the organization’s vision is effectively communicated to the nursing staff while mentoring future nursing leaders.

TWO KEY INSIGHTS

Collaboration is a constructive process where people work together in a mutually beneficial and assertive manner. It fosters a symbiotic relationship within an organization. As per Al-Sawai’s (2013) perspective, collaborative leadership involves effectively communicating information to colleagues and related organizations to empower them to make informed decisions. This communication benefits healthcare management by encouraging dialogue among various stakeholders, enabling the sharing of experiences and knowledge, and reducing the complexity within healthcare organizations.

Understanding Effective Leadership Theory is crucial, as it can significantly benefit healthcare staff, patients, and organizations. Leaders must exercise mindfulness in their actions, refraining from endorsing risky strategies, altering values, or exhibiting favoritism. Ethical leadership necessitates good intentions and a deep-seated respect for all parties involved.

THE LEADER WITH WHOM I HAVE SEEN SUCH BEHAVIORS AND SKILLS

During the pandemic, nurse leaders were crucial in offering guidance, stability, and motivation to their nursing staff, who were grappling with limited resources. The significance of adequate preparation cannot be emphasized enough, as demonstrated by Pakhide and Verma’s (2021) research on the exceptional efforts of Alberta nurses during the 1918-1919 Spanish influenza outbreak, which was marked by inadequate public health resources. The realization of the necessity for an organized response to crises, access to resources, and exceptional skills and knowledge prompted nursing leaders to advocate for a structured public health system, ultimately contributing to forming professional nursing associations.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the nurse leader or manager was critical in providing essential support to the nurses who were struggling with immense stress, safety concerns, and adverse impacts on their mental well-being. This leader’s approach was based on collaborative and effective Leadership Theory principles. She supported her staff even when they faced multifaceted challenges, such as managing the nurse-to-patient ratios and ensuring the implementation of appropriate safety measures for patients and staff.

What made this nurse leader stand out was that she voluntarily joined her team on the unit, taking an active role in managing her workload and offering much-needed motivation to her colleagues. By doing so, she demonstrated her commitment to her team and set an example for her colleagues. This approach not only helped to improve her team’s morale but also led to better patient outcomes.

HOW THE SKILLS AND PRACTICE IMPACTED THE WORKPLACE

These responsibilities of a nurse leader have remained even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurse leaders are critical to empowering patients, enhancing access to care, facilitating research, and optimizing outcomes. They must have exceptional decision-making skills and develop innovative solutions to address current challenges while laying a foundation for future success. Nurse leaders need a supportive and collaborative environment to hone these skills, build relationships, and communicate openly.

To summarize, nurse leaders are essential in empowering their teams to be advocates and creating an inclusive culture while enhancing quality and safety through collaboration with partners. They prioritize political advocacy to support their patients and communities, particularly during a pandemic, and foster healthy work environments through effective communication, collaboration, and leadership. Ultimately, nurse leaders are integral in building organizational resilience and adaptability to change.

Numerous leadership theories, cases, and models have influenced current strategies in healthcare. Effective leadership should consider the dynamic relationships between leadership values, culture, capabilities, and organizational context. A high level of self, team, and organizational awareness must support the leader’s developmental journey. Leadership development is critical, and the leader’s most important role is to ensure a ready supply of replacement leaders to maintain organizational progress in the ever-changing healthcare environment.