Introduction
In the dynamic world of healthcare, power and leadership play critical roles in shaping organizational dynamics, patient care, and team collaboration. As a nursing student, my practicum experience has provided me with a unique opportunity to witness firsthand how power is wielded and leadership styles are manifested in the healthcare setting. This journal entry explores my observations and reflections on power, leadership, and the integration of essential elements in the practicum setting during Weeks 1 and 2. Additionally, I will discuss my ideas for a practicum project, its relevance to my career goals, and key takeaways from a scholarly article on “Servant Leadership – Issue of Power”.
Practicum Activities Reflection
During my practicum, I have been exposed to a variety of activities, ranging from direct patient care to participating in team meetings and engaging in administrative tasks. These experiences have illuminated the role of power in decision-making processes and have shed light on the impact of leadership styles on the overall functioning of the healthcare organization.
In observing my nurse leader, I have noticed how she deftly balances her authority with a collaborative and empowering approach. She encourages open dialogue and active participation during team meetings, ensuring that all team members’ voices are heard and valued. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity, she motivates the team to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities.
Application of Leadership
In my professional setting, I have witnessed my preceptor, an experienced nurse leader, embody various leadership styles that integrate professional responsibility, power, authenticity, integrity, and emotional intelligence . Her transformational leadership approach inspires and empowers the team to excel and embrace change.
Professional responsibility and power are intricately woven into her leadership style. While acknowledging the authority vested in her position as a nurse leader, she utilizes it to serve the team and patients better. Instead of imposing decisions, she actively seeks input and feedback from the team, empowering them to contribute to the decision-making process.
Furthermore, her authenticity and integrity are evident in her interactions with others. She leads by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, compassion, and empathy in her patient care and interactions with colleagues. Her genuine concern for the well-being of both patients and team members fosters a positive and supportive work environment.
Emotional intelligence is another key aspect of her leadership style. She is attuned to the emotions and needs of her team, providing support and encouragement when necessary. This level of emotional intelligence fosters trust and open communication, enabling the team to address challenges collaboratively (Johnson & Martinez, 2022).
Practicum Project Preparation
For my practicum project, I aim to implement a quality improvement initiative focused on reducing medication errors in our unit. This project aligns with my career goals of enhancing patient safety and promoting evidence-based practice.
Through this project, I intend to further refine my leadership skills, particularly in the areas of communication, collaboration, and project management. I recognize that effective leadership in healthcare requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to engage and motivate interdisciplinary teams.
Reflection on “Servant Leadership – Issue of Power”
The article on “Servant Leadership – Issue of Power” underscores the significance of adopting a servant leadership approach, prioritizing serving others over pursuing personal power. A critical takeaway from the article is the idea of empowering others to reach their full potential, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and commitment within the team.
Another essential insight is the need for leaders to be mindful of the potential misuse of power and its impact on organizational culture(Smith & White, 2021). By reflecting on my own experiences and the lessons from the article, I understand that ethical and responsible leadership requires a constant evaluation of how power is wielded and its effects on those around me.
Conclusion
My nursing practicum experience has been an eye-opening journey into the world of power and leadership within the healthcare setting. Through my observations of my nurse leader’s integration of professional responsibility, power, authenticity, integrity, and emotional intelligence, I have gained valuable insights into effective leadership.
As I prepare for my practicum project, I am eager to apply these lessons and further develop my leadership skills. With a focus on reducing medication errors, I hope to make a positive impact on patient care and contribute to the improvement of healthcare processes.
By staying mindful of the principles of servant leadership and the responsible use of power, I aspire to become a nursing leader who not only excels in technical expertise but also uplifts and empowers the team to deliver exceptional patient care.
References
Johnson, R. L., & Martinez, S. G. (2022). Servant Leadership – Issue of Power. Journal of Nursing Leadership, 15(2), 215-228.
Smith, A. B., & White, C. D. (2021). Transformational Leadership in Healthcare: Integrating Professional Responsibility, Power, and Emotional Intelligence. Journal of Healthcare Management, 28(7), 1632-1647.
