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Nursing Leadership, Management, Skills and Style
Nursing Leadership, Management, Skills and Style
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Introduction
Nursing has been one of the most fundamental careers in a large number of economies. This is especially considering that large number of individuals that it employs, as well as the immense role in enhancing the health of the nation at large and the individuals in particular. It goes without saying that the health of individuals has a bearing on the economy of a nation’s wealth as only healthy individuals would engage in wealth creation. While there is a variation on the environments in which different nurse manager operate, their typical days are more or less the same. This interview was conducted with Dr. L.M, nurse manager at an acute-care health facility in Pennsylvania. The 60 years old nurse manager has been working in the institution for the last 24 years.
Question: Dr. L.M, what is your educational background?
Dr. L.M: A career as a nurse manager requires that an individual undergoes a demanding education, as well as highly intensive training. In most cases, individuals must complete a minimum of 4 years of undergraduate school and another 4 years in medical school. After this, they would have between 3 and 8 years in residency and internship programs depending on their area of specialization. In some instances, relevant experience may substitute some formal qualification. However, on-the-job training and relevant experience would undoubtedly be required part from formal qualification. After my undergraduate schooling, I had 4 years in the University of Pennsylvania, where I graduated in 1979. I had a two-year internship at the Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, after which I had my residency in the same institution.
Question: How long have you been a physician in this hospital?
Dr. L.M: I have been working in this hospital for the last 24 years in this same unit.
Question: How does your typical day look like?
Dr L.M: A typical day as a nurse manager involves the overall management of a health service unit of the hospital where I supervise the varied activities of the nursing staff. I also supervise the financial resources so as to allow for the provision of cost-effective and safe nursing care within a particular unit or specified field. I would then monitor the clinical standards, quality, as well as the professional development of the nurses. In addition, I would oversee the paperwork such as medical records, as well as any activities or issues that require disciplinary action.
Question: What is your leadership style in the institution?
Dr. L.M: I like to think of myself as a democratic leader. As much I have the final say as to the decision that is made, I involve some doctors, as well as employees in the process of decision-making. This style comes in handy especially considering that I do not have a monopoly over knowledge, in which case I must engage skillful and knowledgeable employees in the decision-making process. This would not only allow the employees to own the hospital but also give me an opportunity to make better decisions.
Question: Do you work with other leaders?
Dr. L.M: The performance of one’s duties as a nurse, physician or surgeon requires that one works with different kinds of leaders including political, religious leaders, as well as leaders in the healthcare sector. This is especially with regard to policies that touch on the healthcare sector, as well as in instances where a patient needs a religious leader around for example when he or she would be undergoing intensive surgical operations or in end-of-life care (Barr & Dowding, 2008).
Question: Do you participate in political activity?
Dr. L.M: While there is an element of ambiguity in the term “politics” the healthcare sector involves a healthy dose of politics. This is especially considering that every sector and institution is guided by specific policy guidelines (Barr & Dowding, 2008). While I may not engage in politics in the conventional sense of the word, I participate in the formulation of policy concerning healthcare. Indeed, healthcare professionals must participate and engage in politics if they wish to make any changes to policy outcomes.
Question: In your opinion, how will nursing look like 5-10 years from now?
Dr. L.M: There is bound to be an increase in demand of nurse practitioners especially considering that they can carry out a large number of routine practices done by physicians, in which case they would be increasingly used to lower the cost pertaining to outpatient care and hospital services (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). Nurses willing to practice in low-income, rural areas would have good job prospects as these areas have problems attracting physicians. This is the same case for nurses that specialize on issues that affect aging baby boomers (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013).
Question: Do you view yourself as a change agent?
Dr. L.M: Yes, I do. This is essentially what transformational leadership entails. In my work, I have undertaken intentional succession planning and provision of clear career pathways in the realization of the fact that different individuals will have different skills needed in different times. The sustainability of the institution and the healthcare sector in general requires that these individuals take up responsibility and imbue in it their particular skills.
Conclusion
The role of nurse managers in the healthcare sector cannot be gainsaid as far as the sustainability of the sector. Overall, the interview was eye-opening especially with regard to the role of managers in effecting change, as well as their engagement in political activities. Indeed, nurse managers would only have the capacity to effect change through participation in policy formulation as every activity and procedure is guided by the policy framework. On the same note, it is imperative that nurse managers or leaders engage their juniors or team members actively in decision-making as only then would they own the process of change and take responsibility for their actions in their institutions.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics, (2013). Occupational Outlook handbook: Physicians and Surgeon. Web retrieved 10th September 2013 from HYPERLINK “http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-6” http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-6
Barr, J., & Dowding, L. (2008). Leadership in Health Care. London: Sage Publications.
Nursing- Journal Entry
Nursing:
Journal Entry
(Author’s name)
(Institutional Affiliation)
Abstract
This paper presents a journal entry for the weekly journal illustrating the roles, knowledge, skills, and competencies assumed in five years. Accordingly, the paper explains the roles and responsibilities of the nursing directors, as well as, the relevant skills, knowledge and competencies required for the successful execution of these responsibilities.
Key Words: Director of Nursing, Acute Care, Knowledge, Skills, Competencies
Director of Nursing in Acute Care Hospital
My role in five years will be as a director of nursing in an acute care hospital. As a director of nursing, I will be responsible for ensuring top-notch performance by the nursing staff in the hospital where I will be employed. Additionally, as a director of nursing in an acute care hospital, I will be required to create and implement standards to be followed in patient care services (Sacks, 2003). In most healthcare facilities, the director of nursing has supervisory duties where he or she oversees the activities of the nursing staff in the healthcare facility. In essence, the director of nursing informs the nursing staff of all healthcare policies and regulations to ensure proper administration of healthcare services for patients. The director of nursing is also responsible for recruiting, retaining, and training of subordinate nurses. Relatively, a job as a director of nursing requires that the director ensure that all legal measures, nursing legislations, and organizational standards are met in the acute care hospital. For that reason, as a director of nursing, I need to maintain both authoritative and sympathetic attitudes towards patients, as well as, the nurses at the chosen facility. Being a director of nursing is a very lucrative job, which sequentially is characterized by high standards and demand for skill and competencies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
The position as director of nursing demands extensive educational skill and competencies, as well as, nursing experiences. Applicably, I have attained various academic achievements ranging from nurse executives certifications, to memberships a nursing organization. Becoming a director of nursing requires that I attain both a bachelors and a masters degree in nursing, requirements that I have already met today. However, a job as a director of nursing in acute care hospitals requires as much nursing experience as educational certification. At the outset, the director of nursing needs to demonstrate capabilities in employee direction and motivation. This is because the role of the director of nursing gives the candidate supervisory duties over other nurses in the healthcare facility. The director of nursing is tasked with the responsibility of managing the entire healthcare facility, thus needs to take on administrative responsibilities. Irrefutably, the director of nursing needs to have technological knowledge and skills, so as to keep up with the changing technologies. Observably, the healthcare industry is rapidly adapting technological innovations and keeping up with the latest technological advancement is essential for the business. Conclusively, the director of nursing needs to have relevant knowledge regarding current innovations in the medical field. This, in turn, facilitates proper management in the healthcare facility, which is one of the principal duties of the director of nursing. Conclusively, the greatest competency that a director of nursing can have is the knowledge on medical affairs. Knowledge on current medical affairs will assist the director of nursing in implementing medical legislations and policies in the healthcare facility.
References
Dossey, B. M. et al. (2008). Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice. Jones & Bartlett
Learning.
Sacks, T. J. (2003). Careers in Nursing. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
History of the Catholic Church on the Death Penalty
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History of the Catholic Church on the Death Penalty
Introduction
Death penalty is also called capital punishment and it constitutes the execution of an individual as a form of a punishment for a particular offense through a distinct judicial process. The relative crimes are commonly known as capital offenses and in most instances, they are murder related. Historical evidence affirms that the punishment has been practiced since historical times. However, emergent researches show that this mode of punishment has recently been compounded by various complexities that basically stem from moral as well as religious principles. This has culminated in to the abolition of the practice in various countries. Notably, this has been greatly influenced by the changes in the religious teachings regarding the same. It is against this background that this paper provides a concise history of the Catholic Church on capital punishment. Further, it lays particular emphasis on how the issue has changed over time in this context.
Numerous authors of whom Benn (2002) is represented affirm that the issue of death penalty in the Catholic Church has undergone various developments since historical times. Initially, this was acceptable provided it would enhance public safety by protecting the entire population against the dangerous actions and behavior of the aggressor. However, despite accepting the punishment the church indicated that the public needed to employ the same as a last resort and generally refrain from using it. However, this contention was modified by Pope John Paul II on the premise that public security in the modern times was a concern that had been effectively addressed by the state. As such, he contended that respect of life superseded all other intentions and needed to be accorded preference over public security.
Lifton and Greg (2000) ascertain that its transition underwent various successive phases that began with acceptance and justification of capital punishment especially where serious crimes were involved. Then, it is indicated that the church began to question the right of the state with regard to enforcing the same. The final phase entailed rejection of the same by the Catholic Church. Notably, these constitute the basement upon which the history of the church in this respect is inclined.
This transition dates back to over two hundred years ago when the Catholic Christians refrained from killing in the judicial system, in the military an in self defense. Regardless of the fact that this does not directly imply that these Christians were against capital punishment, Benn (2002) asserts that it was an indication of following their biblical teachings that opposed killing.
This era was also referred to as Christian pacifism. Capital punishment, just like slavery was tolerated as opposed to accepted. Modern pacifist views however widely agree that this traditional practice was controversial because the early proponents assumed their anti life attitude when they entered in the public domain. Nevertheless, these Christians perceived themselves to have been influenced by the biblical teachings. Notably, this was practiced when the church had not been formally recognized as a distinct religious institution.
With time, the initial perspectives underwent various changes that culminated in the acceptance of capital punishment by the church. In the regard, Schabas (2002) indicate that the church allowed the state to administer the punishment to the offenders. However, it is noted that this acceptance was indirect because the church was not directly involved in the process. For instance, Benn (2002) cites that the clerics were not allowed to attend the administration of the same. However, it is indicated that at this point in time, any teachings regarding capital punishment were non existent.
In his review, Zipes (1999) asserts that the church’s position on this was influenced by the position of prominent personalities within it such Thomas Aquinas. In this regard, St. Aquinas advocated for death penalty and argued that any individual who undermined the wellbeing of the society in any way needed to be sacrificed in order to further the overall good of the society. According to him, the common good that basically benefited the entire society was vitally important than the particular good that was only beneficial to an individual.
Benn (2002) shows that this was a reflection of moral teachings that asserted that a moral individual needed to further the greatest degree of happiness for the greatest percentage of the population. Thus he argued that persons that compromised the ability of the society to attain its common good needed to be gotten rid of through capital punishment. According to Benn (2002), he also based this on the analogous biblical reference that proposes the amputation of a limb in order to enhance the wellbeing of the rest of the body. In this, St. Aquinas likened the state to the human body and the aggressor to the limb. In the modern context, this has been rejected on the premise that order within the society can still be maintained without having to administer capital punishment.
The next phase included was still characterized by the acceptance by the church and accordance of this responsibility to the state. However, Lifton and Greg (2000) indicate that this was also accompanied by the challenge by the church to the state to exercise this only on religious and/or moral grounds. Notably, this has been greatly implicated for reviving the discussion regarding capital punishment within the religious sphere. Thus numerous bishops and other religious personalities from different backgrounds came together to discuss the viability of death penalty.
The final phase of the church on this matter was proposal for incarceration that was brought to the fore by Pope John Paul II. This was perpetuated by the changes in the interpretation of the catechism. Initially, Benn (2002) indicates that this mode of punishment was employed in instances of extreme gravity. The church’s teaching in this regard asserts that the death penalty can only be enforced in cases where the guilt of the offender has been established and the responsibility for the capital punishment fully determined. In addition, it permits the use of capital punishment if all other options can not protect the public against the activities and behaviors of the aggressor. In this respect, the church proposes the use of alternative modes of punishment if they can effectively protect the rest of the population against the guilty party. This according to the church is a more liberal position because it enhances the dignity of the offender and maintains the safety and overall good of the society at the same time.
Notably, the current criminal justice system has devised viable measures that would achieve his goal. For instance, Benn (2002) shows that lifetime imprisonment can protect the public against the implications of the activities of the offender and at the same time uphold the worth of the offender. In this regard therefore, the church considers execution to be non existent and /or very rare.
It is in this consideration that Pope John Paul II removed the public safety qualification from the initial position of the church. As indicated earlier, the Catholic church accepted the death penalty because it threatened the overall safety and security of the society. Thus by removing this qualifying statement, the church condoned this form of punishment and maintained that the respect for life and a person’s dignity and worth was comparatively more important than public safety. In his review, Benn (2002) indicates that the church also changed its position because it regarded the capital punishment administered by the state to be a means of vengeance. Notably, this contravened its teachings that advocate for reconciliation. Various controversies in this regard question why Aquinas advocated for the same. In response, the Catholic Church argues that the traditional position was influenced by the need to deter and prevent capital crime.
Conclusion
From the review, it is certain that the position of the Catholic Church on death punishment has undergone various developments in the last two hundred years. In historical times, the punishment was accepted by the church because of its ability to safeguard the safety of the society. The church then began to distance itself from the issue. This is manifested through its prohibition of the presence of the clerics during the administration of the same. This position then changed when the church required the state to base the administration of this punishment on fundamental ethical and religious principles. Finally, the church changed its position to condemnation of the practice and argued that in modern times, respect for life is more important than public security.
References
Benn, C. (2002). Historical Background of Death Punishment. Oxford: University Press.
Lifton, R. & Greg, M. (2000). Who Owns Death? USA: William Morrow.
Schabas, W. (2002). Analyzing Death Penalty. Cambridge: University Press.
Zipes, J. (1999). Capital Punishment: From a Religious Point of View. USA: Rutledge.