Leadership in Nursing and the Health Care System

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the urgent need for effective leadership in nursing and health care at a time when the health care system has become fragmented and the shortage of nurses is worsening. It presents various traits and styles that characterize an ideal leader. Ultimately, the paper maintains that the most effective form of leadership in nursing at the present time is transformational leadership, which involves forward thinking, flexibility and creativity when confronted with the challenges of dealing with a very unpredictable world and an environment that is in constant flux.

From the Paper:

"Among the many characteristics that leaders must possess are the ability to influence others, a high level of confidence, and certain qualities for leadership with which they are born (Frisina & Steltzer, 2001). Leadership also is concerned with such traits as appropriate critical thinking, judgment, and motivating others. Leadership also reflects the individual's personal attitudes and their approach to life. Leadership can be learned and it also can be developed (Frisina & Steltzer, 2001). My own conception of a leader is primarily a person who influences other people and is able to maintain the influence. At the same time, leadership can take place on three levels. The first is at the individual level where leaders motivate others. The second is at the group level where leaders build teams and resolve conflicts. The third is at the organizational level where leaders build culture. Wesorick (2002) maintains that the role of leaders is to transform practice cultures so that the uniqueness and outcomes of professional practice can be realized."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bruhn, J. (2004). Leaders who create change and those who manage it. The Health Care Manager, 23 (2), 132-140.
• Frisina, M.& Steltzer, T. (2001). Lead outside your comfort zone. Nursing Management, 32 (11), 22-27.
• Kerfoot, K. (2002). On leadership: Creating your own leadership brand. Nursing Economics, 20 (5), 232-235.
• Marquis, B. & Huston, C. (2000). Integrating leadership roles and management function. Course Kit, AK/NURS 3770 3.0A.
• Wesorick, B. (2002). 21st century leadership challenge. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 26 (5), 18-31.

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