Essay Sample on Nurse Manager Leadership Strengths

Introduction

Serving as a nurse leader is not an easy task. It is even more challenging in the current climate of chaos characterized by constant change. For this reason, only nurses with strong leadership skills are adequately prepared to address the health needs of individuals and communities (Hassmiller and Truelove 61). Having excellent communication skills, acting as role models/mentors, and being flexible are typical strengths of a nurse leader.

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As a nurse leader, ability to communicating effectively is a strength because of the constant exchange of information in healthcare settings. The nurse leader should package information in a manner that is easily understood by colleagues to avoid misinterpretation which could result in conflicts and errors (Kourkouta and Papathanasiou 65). Communicating effectively enables nurse leaders to collaborate effectively with subordinate nurses as well as increase team performance. When there is collaboration, the quality of care is likely to be high, and conflicts among nurses are easily resolved for the benefit of the patients.

Besides effective communication, acting as a role model/mentor is a great strength for a nurse leader. A nurse leader needs to inspire and empower others by serving as an example to get the support need to achieve health care goals and objectives (Stanley 118). According to Scully, strong leadership entails supporting and inspiring followers with the view of transforming them and their situations through talent development and effective communication (440). On a daily basis, nurse leaders must impart the right knowledge to trainees and offer direction to enable them develop as medical practitioners. This can act as motivators as it reduces stress related to lack of job competencies. Additionally, the nurse leader is expected to show high emotional intelligence to empower both trainees and established nurses to deal with stressors at the workplace effectively.

Being flexible is also a critical strength for nurse leaders. Flexibility allows nurses to operate in a dynamic environment. Nurses work in a chaotic environment in that change is a daily occurrence (Scully 442). As such, nurse leaders must address every situation depending on its unique needs and those of subordinate nurses. It means that the leader must be creative as well as consult the followers for better decision-making. Such style can reduce errors besides fostering cohesiveness among teams.

Conclusion

Overall, being a good communicator, a role model/mentor and flexible are important traits of a strong nurse leader. Having the highlighted personality is essential for effective leadership as it reduces conflicts, inspires followers and promotes teamwork. Therefore, for one to be a great leader, they must focus on the needs of the people they lead and be ready to change as circumstances change.

Works Cited

Hassmiller, Susan B., and Julia Truelove. "Are You the Best Leader You Can Be?" AJN, American Journal of Nursing, vol. 114, no. 1, 2014, p. 61.

Kourkouta, Lambrini, and Loanna Papathanasiou. "Communication in Nursing Practice." journal of the Medical Academy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, vol. 26, no. 1, 2014, pp. 65-67.

Scully, Natashia J. "Leadership in Nursing: The Importance of Recognising Inherent Values and Attributes to Secure a Positive Future for the Profession." Collegian, vol. 22, no. 4, 2015, pp. 439-444.

Stanley, David. "Clinical Leadership Characteristics Confirmed." Journal of Research in Nursing, vol. 19, no. 2, 2012, pp. 118-128.