Nursing Diversity

Term Paper # 100368

Communication
Gender and Sexuality
Medical and Health > Nursing

Nursing Diversity

This paper discusses gender perspectives in leadership and workplace diversity.

2,045 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer discusses gender perspectives as they relate to leadership issues, focusing specifically on nursing. The writer points out that as more men enter the nursing profession, diversity is becoming the order of the day in healthcare at all levels. Another aspect of diversity is race and ethnicity since many nurses are black or nurses of color. The writer argues that the traditional strict lines of command are beginning to be replaced by an integrated workforce and decentralized decision making. The writer maintains that in certain cases, the nursing leader will find it essential to change her leadership style.

Outline:
Introduction
Practice Situation
Significance
Analysis
KEEP/CHANGE
Strategies for Change
Conclusion: My Learning

From the Paper:

"The practice situation is a labour and delivery unit. This unit demonstrated that male nurses are concerned with technical issues and are great with problem solving, whereas female nurses tend to focus on relationships. This balance would seem to be ideal so that males and females would complement one another. However, what evolved on the unit was far from ideal. There had been a number of complaints relating to relationships between mothers and nurses. The vast majority of the nurses involved were male. Complaints mainly concerned lack of attentive listening. However, quality of care was high. Communication between the unit manager and staff was often confusing and ambiguous. Staff members were not working well as a team. The morale of the nursing staff on the ward was very low. A large number of nurses were women of color whose needs and concerns were not heard."

Sample of Sources Used:

Collins, D. (2004). Workplace diversity: A generational view. Radiologic Technology, 76 (1), 62-69.
Mateo, M. (2001). Workforce diversity: Challenges and strategies. Journal of Multicultural Nursing and Health, 7 (2), 8-13.
Nilsson, K. (2005). Conceptions of gender - a study of female and male head nurses' statements. Journal of Nursing Management, 13 (2), 179-186.
Rudan, V. (2003). The best of both worlds: A consideration of gender in team building. Journal of Nursing Administration, 33 (3), 179-186.
Waddell, J., G. Donner & Wheeler, M. (2004). Building your nursing career, 2nd: edition. Toronto Elsevier.