I’ve been hearing since shortly after graduation, about the need for leadership in nursing. It was just one of those concepts left on the back burner for a long time while I a) found a way to survive after ending a relationship and b) increased confidence in my nursing practice. I’ve been at the same job for about 3 years now. It’s been long enough to understand and see the real need for leadership in nursing.
I have made various attempts to implement change in my workplace. One thing I learned from my excellent nursing teachers was to question the hegemony. Question the way things are done. Question why we do what we do throughout our shifts. Is there a better way to do this? Is it even necessary? Is there a way to use our precious time resource more efficiently? Good philosophy not just for nursing, but for life. To that I’d add, ask better questions.
After a number of frustrating attempts to implement change, I wondered if I was going about it wrong. Was I even in a position to implement change in my workplace? Strangely, I had been waiting for our new nurse leader to arrive on the scene to make things better. I would discover, once again, the Universe will give you direction if you open your eyes to see.
Leadership in nursing has been more intensely on my mind for a number of months now. Before the position of Nurse Leader had been filled, I wondered if I would be capable of filling the roll. What would it take to be an effective nurse leader? As I continued with my day to day practice, I just kept observing where and when I may be in a position of leadership. Where and when could I be influential in my practice, to effectively lead other staff members towards a greater vision than present practice? What would I have to change about myself to be capable of truly leading in an effective manner?
Ask and it is given, it is said. I was ‘given’ a situation at work where I ran into conflict with an LPN. I believer her opinion was that I was not doing my job right. I chose to remain neutral rather than become defensive. I knew enough to at least do that. Do no harm, right? I’m not even going to write about she said/I said. That’s not the point. We live in a benevolent Universe. Along with this difficult-at-the-time situation, I was gifted with a solution as well. The library called. They had a book for me. Lance Secretan’s book, One – The Art and Practice of Conscious Leadership.
I’ll write more about what I’m learning, but suffice to say, I have already learned some very helpful principles to implement into my practice.
