What Makes a Good Leader?
Assignment Description/Directions:
Choose one or more leadership topic(s) from your classroom textbook (by weiss & Tappen) and write about its application to nursing practice. Provide definitions, history/background, and major concepts of chosen topic. Describe the topic’s function in nursing practice by examining at least three different nursing roles (for example, bedside nurse, public health nurse, CNO, unit manager, etc.). Discuss how the leadership topic can be used in your own practice ( I work on a medical/surgical unit). Discuss your personal growth in regard to your chosen leadership topic. Evaluate personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to your career advancement.
Then, discuss the top three traits you feel makes a good nurse leader. Support your statements with examples from your practice experience and scholarly sources.
What Makes a Good Leader?
What makes a person a leader? There are many different theories about how a person becomes a leader and what type of leader is most effective. In nursing, some situations require quick thinking and fast action. Others require some time to figure out the best solution to a complicated problem. There are many best-known leadership theories and the many qualities identified as those of the effective nurse leader (Tavitt, 1999; Tappen, 2001). For example, a democratic leader attempts to move the group toward its goals, an autocratic leader attempts to move the group toward the leader`s goals, and a laissez-faire leader makes no attempt to move the group (Pavitt, 1999). The top traits I believe makes a good nurse leader include emotional intelligence, integrity, and critical thinking. Emotional intelligence helps peers to cope with the stressors that present during routine challenges. Personal integrity aids nurse practitioners in making the right choices during critical junctures in patients` treatment plans.