Philosophy Statement
“Listening is wanting to hear” Jim Cathcart.
As I reflect on my role as a leader I believe one of the most important things I can do for those I lead is to listen, hear, understand and respond to their needs. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines the nurse administrator as a “registered nurse who orchestrates and influences the work of others in a defined environment, most often healthcare focused, to enhance the shared vision of an organization or institution” (ANA, 2009, p. 3). Nursing offers me a very special opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. An even greater opportunity is to lead nurses in health care. In my current role as a nursing manager I desire to further strengthen my abilities to lead at the director level.
As I manage others my nursing philosophy guides my practice. I place great value on integrity and compassion. I strive each day to influence others in a positive way that fosters a trusting environment that supports the professional role of the beside nurse. I currently work in a Magnet hospital where importance is placed on hiring skilled nurses who are empowered as professionals in their nursing roles. I believe as a nurse leader I must have a clear vision, purpose and specific outcomes for the areas I manage. In addition, those I lead must understand and share in this vision. I feel strongly that staff should be included in decision-making that affects their role within the organization. I desire to support change within my organization by assisting those I lead in understanding the purpose behind change. I want to guide staff through change.
As a nursing leader I must have relevant and ongoing knowledge of the business of health care. This requires that I continue to learn and maintain certification in my specialty area. To provide exceptional care, I must incorporate new technologies while ensuring quality and effectiveness. It is also important that I leverage the expertise and skills of staff as well as others within my organization to successfully accomplish our organizational goals. Working collaboratively with other departments develops collegiality and strengthens the organization. I want to encourage and support staff in problem-solving the issues or concerns they encounter as this will motivate and foster ownership for successful outcomes.
Safety and quality are foremost in healthcare and as a nurse leader I can foster a workplace environment that is focused on patient safety. Staff must feel comfortable to speak up when they have concerns about patient safety or quality of care. As a nurse leader I will support staff in research so that best practices can be adapted which will support quality outcomes.
As a nurse leader I will work to elevate the image of nursing. I will strive to be a role model and seek opportunities to mentor future nurses and support staff who desire to become leaders. An important part of my role is to mentor others in the nursing profession. I want to provide staff opportunities for growth and development with learning competencies that help them to achieve their professional goals. I believe mentoring others also includes fostering diversity within the workplace. By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of a diverse workforce we can provide culturally competent care. Working with area schools and nursing educator peers, I will strive to develop a workforce that is representative of the patients we care for.
In conclusion, I believe in taking time to pause and celebrate the accomplishments of the team. I want to inspire staff to provide care that is exceptional in every aspect. Inspiration and engagement comes through having time to share our stories. Taking time to recognize and thank each other is valuable in uniting and strengthening the team. We have been given a very special opportunity to care for others during the most vulnerable time in their lives. We must never forget what an honor and privilege that is.
Resources
American Nurses Association. (2009). Nursing administration: Scope and standards of practice. Washington, D.C.: Nursesbooks.org
As I reflect on my role as a leader I believe one of the most important things I can do for those I lead is to listen, hear, understand and respond to their needs. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines the nurse administrator as a “registered nurse who orchestrates and influences the work of others in a defined environment, most often healthcare focused, to enhance the shared vision of an organization or institution” (ANA, 2009, p. 3). Nursing offers me a very special opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. An even greater opportunity is to lead nurses in health care. In my current role as a nursing manager I desire to further strengthen my abilities to lead at the director level.
As I manage others my nursing philosophy guides my practice. I place great value on integrity and compassion. I strive each day to influence others in a positive way that fosters a trusting environment that supports the professional role of the beside nurse. I currently work in a Magnet hospital where importance is placed on hiring skilled nurses who are empowered as professionals in their nursing roles. I believe as a nurse leader I must have a clear vision, purpose and specific outcomes for the areas I manage. In addition, those I lead must understand and share in this vision. I feel strongly that staff should be included in decision-making that affects their role within the organization. I desire to support change within my organization by assisting those I lead in understanding the purpose behind change. I want to guide staff through change.
As a nursing leader I must have relevant and ongoing knowledge of the business of health care. This requires that I continue to learn and maintain certification in my specialty area. To provide exceptional care, I must incorporate new technologies while ensuring quality and effectiveness. It is also important that I leverage the expertise and skills of staff as well as others within my organization to successfully accomplish our organizational goals. Working collaboratively with other departments develops collegiality and strengthens the organization. I want to encourage and support staff in problem-solving the issues or concerns they encounter as this will motivate and foster ownership for successful outcomes.
Safety and quality are foremost in healthcare and as a nurse leader I can foster a workplace environment that is focused on patient safety. Staff must feel comfortable to speak up when they have concerns about patient safety or quality of care. As a nurse leader I will support staff in research so that best practices can be adapted which will support quality outcomes.
As a nurse leader I will work to elevate the image of nursing. I will strive to be a role model and seek opportunities to mentor future nurses and support staff who desire to become leaders. An important part of my role is to mentor others in the nursing profession. I want to provide staff opportunities for growth and development with learning competencies that help them to achieve their professional goals. I believe mentoring others also includes fostering diversity within the workplace. By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of a diverse workforce we can provide culturally competent care. Working with area schools and nursing educator peers, I will strive to develop a workforce that is representative of the patients we care for.
In conclusion, I believe in taking time to pause and celebrate the accomplishments of the team. I want to inspire staff to provide care that is exceptional in every aspect. Inspiration and engagement comes through having time to share our stories. Taking time to recognize and thank each other is valuable in uniting and strengthening the team. We have been given a very special opportunity to care for others during the most vulnerable time in their lives. We must never forget what an honor and privilege that is.
Resources
American Nurses Association. (2009). Nursing administration: Scope and standards of practice. Washington, D.C.: Nursesbooks.org