Theoretical Models of Nursing Leadership
You are the nurse manager on a busy medical-surgical unit. You have been requested to attend a hospital administration meeting with your Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and the hospital Chief Financial Officer. The CNO explains that nurse−patient staffing ratios on every unit are being increased, and your ratios must also increase by 1-2 patients on both the day and night shift. The CNO assures you this is a temporary issue due to the seasonal high census, and this decision is not open for debate. You are shocked and don’t know how to respond initially.
Question #1
Using the Theory of Emotional Intelligence: Page 56 Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing 11th Edition Carol J. Huston
a) Describe how you will demonstrate self-management and social competence to regulate your emotions in this scenario?
b) Discuss how you will respond to your CNO by using this leadership theory.
Question #2
a) Determine how you will present the new nurse−patient staffing ratios to your nursing staff by using the Theory of Quantum Leadership.
Sample Solution
Using the Theory of Emotional Intelligence: Page 56 Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing 11th Edition Carol J. Huston
- a) Describe how you will demonstrate self-management and social competence to regulate your emotions in this scenario?
- Taking a moment to collect my thoughts and feelings. I would excuse myself from the meeting to take a few deep breaths and center myself. This would help me to calm down and respond in a professional and constructive manner.
- Identifying my own emotions. I would acknowledge that I am feeling shocked, frustrated, and concerned about the proposed increase in nurse-patient staffing ratios. It is important to be honest with myself about my emotions so that I can manage them effectively.
- Challenging any negative thoughts or beliefs. I would remind myself that the CNO has assured me that this is a temporary measure due to the seasonal high census. I would also remind myself that I am a capable and experienced nurse manager, and that I will be able to lead my team through this challenge.
- Listening attentively to the CNO's concerns. I would want to understand why the hospital administration is making this decision, and what steps they are taking to mitigate the risks to patient safety and staff well-being.
- Asking clarifying questions. I would want to make sure that I have a clear understanding of the new staffing ratios, and what resources will be available to support my team.
- Expressing my own concerns in a respectful and professional manner. I would explain to the CNO that I am concerned about the impact of the increased staffing ratios on patient safety and staff well-being. I would also request additional support from the hospital administration, such as increased resources for training and orientation, and additional staff to help with tasks such as charting and medication administration.
- b) Discuss how you will respond to your CNO by using this leadership theory.