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?
Self-management is the ability to manage one’s own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. In this scenario, I would demonstrate self-management by:
- 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.
Social competence is the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with others. In this scenario, I would demonstrate social competence by:
- 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.
I would begin by thanking the CNO for informing me of the decision to increase nurse-patient staffing ratios. I would then express my concerns about the impact of this decision on patient safety and staff well-being. I would also reiterate my commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients, and to supporting my team through this challenge.
Next, I would ask the CNO to clarify the new staffing ratios and what resources will be available to support my team. 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.
Finally, I would ask the CNO for an opportunity to discuss the new staffing ratios with my team and to get their feedback. I would also commit to working with my team to develop a plan to implement the new staffing ratios in a way that minimizes the risk to patient safety and staff well-being.
Here is an example of how I might respond to the CNO:
“Thank you for informing me of the decision to increase nurse-patient staffing ratios. I understand that this is a difficult decision, and I appreciate your willingness to discuss it with me.
I am concerned about the impact of this decision on patient safety and staff well-being. I am committed to providing the best possible care to our patients, and I want to make sure that my team has the resources they need to be successful.
Can you please clarify the new staffing ratios and what resources will be available to support my team? I would also like to 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.
I would like to have an opportunity to discuss the new staffing ratios with my team and to get their feedback. I am confident that we can work together to develop a plan to implement the new staffing ratios in a way that minimizes the risk to patient safety and staff well-being.”
By responding to the CNO in this way, I would be demonstrating both self-management and social competence. I would be managing my own emotions in a healthy and constructive manner, and I would be building and maintaining a positive relationship with the CNO.
