Nurse Leader Interview
Clarke Krugman
OldDominionUniversity
Nurse Leadership
NURS490W
Spring, 2013
NURSE LEADER INTERVIEW1
Nurse Leader Interview
This paper will briefly discuss the insights gained by the author into the role of nurse as leader. The method for obtaining information about nurse leadership was to interview a current nurse leader with whom the author was familiar. A desired outcome of the interview was to determine the leadership style that the nurse leader employed, how it compared with styles that have been examined in assigned texts, if the style was effective and perhaps one that the author would also be able to employ in his career. An additional desired outcome of the assignment was to determine if the nurse leader interview assignment yielded any personal and professional growth insights.
Selection of Nurse Leader to Interview
The nurse leader who the author selected to interview was Mrs. Shannon F., a Nurse Practitioner now working as a Family Nurse Practitioner in a clinical setting in Tucson, Arizona. Mrs. F. has an extensive career of over twenty years, both in hospital and clinical settings, and has steadily moved up in her career while continuing her education from RN to BSN, culminating at this time with an MSN from Northern Arizona University and holding Nurse Practitioner status.
Mrs. F. was selected for this interview because her background was very similar to the author and she has achieved the goals that the author also hopes to accomplish. Both went to the same high school, both chose community college associates degree programs, and the author wishes to pattern his career track of RN to BSN to MSN and Nurse Practitioner as well. Also, Mrs. F. possesses many of the similar personality traits and work ethic of this author, and her track record of success, given the similarity of personal characteristics, is something this author feels is within his capacity to emulate.
Analysis and Traits of Leadership Style
Mrs. F''s self-described leadership style is that of a laissez faire style of leader with high expectations. Mrs. F. stated that she likes things to run smoothly and expects people to work hard. She likes to keep the mood light, but makes sure that her people work efficiently, often injecting her sense of humor into day-to-day activity. The term, 'laissez faire' seems to imply that Mrs. F. is softy, a 'Mrs. Nice Guy', which our text describes as fostering “...a general climate of permissiveness with no central directions or control. The leader wants everyone to feel good, fosters freedom for everyone, and avoids responsibility by relinquishing power to the staff” (Anders & Hawkins, 2006, p. 166). This approach is not necessarily a poor management choice, but in general, it is not overly encouraged. Later in the interview, however, Mrs. F. clarified her management style by stating,
Life experience helps a great deal. For example, I am a forty-nine year-old FNP managing a team of younger Medical Assistants. I have daughters of similar ages, so I use that to relate to their experiences. I am not their friend, but I try to lead by example, as a mother does. I am punctual, and professional with a splash of silly.
This approach is representative of a more professional style, and coalesces with the text in its assertion, “The real job of nurse manager is to inspire employees to perform at their best possible level by establishing a working environment that encourages them to excel” (2006, p. 38). This style might also be defined as a democratic style, wherein the leader guides the group in accomplishing their goals while actively seeking the subordinates' participation in decision-making (Blais & Hayes, 2011).
Positive Changes as Result of Leadership Style
Using her style of leadership, Mrs F. has been able to continue a track record of success by establishing her credibility in a new management role in a new clinic. Her challenge of coming in to manage an existing group of staff who had all been long-term employees has been well-met. She states, “My team was well established when I arrived. I try not to think of anyone as my subordinate really, but a member of my team sharing a common goal: helping our customers, and keeping the patients/clients as the focus”. Success in maintaining the continuity of quality care while incorporating her role as nurse manager is a definitive positive change.
Insights Gained from Interview of Nurse Leader
This writing assignment was particularly beneficial because it provided a vehicle for reflecting on how proven management methods transition from the theoretical to actual practice. Researching the applicability of the curriculum offered by the Old Dominion University Nursing Department by interviewing persons in real-world situations validates the time and expense of studying for and obtaining ongoing formal education. The preparation through learning will offer future rewards and opportunities to use these valuable skills. It is very reassuring to see theory put successfully into practice.
References
Anders, R. L., & Hawkins, J. A. (2006). Mosby’s nursing leadership and management online: A work text and online course ( ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
Blais, K. K., & Hayes, J. S. (2011). Professional nursing practice Concepts and perspectives (6 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.