NUR-514 Topic 2 Discussion Question 1 – Leading vs. Managing

NUR-514 Topic 2 Discussion Question 1 – Leading vs. Managing

Topic 2 DQ 1

Distinguish between the roles of “leading” and “managing.” Drawing on your experience in the healthcare sector, elucidate how an advanced registered nurse can excel in both leadership and management. Additionally, share at least one effective strategy you have employed to guide and oversee staff within healthcare organizations. Consider your interactions with patients, team members, daily responsibilities, and tasks when crafting your response.

NUR-514 Topic 2 Discussion Question 1 – Leading vs. Managing – Sample 1

Being in a managerial position does not automatically make someone a leader. Managers are primarily responsible for overseeing daily tasks and staff within their purview. Their roles encompass duties such as staffing, hiring, and conducting performance evaluations (Miller, 2022). Managers often function as the authority figure within a team, directing its operations. In contrast, leaders inspire, motivate, and contribute to establishing a shared vision. Leaders prioritize aspects that can enhance relationships and aim to create better outcomes (Miller, 2022). Interestingly, leaders can emerge not only from managerial positions but also from various staff levels within an organization.

Fatima Khan Endocrine System Hourly Rounds Shadow health Objective data

Advanced practice nurses have the potential to serve as leaders within healthcare teams, effectively contributing to patient care. For instance, nurse practitioners can communicate adeptly with other healthcare team members to motivate both patients and the team itself, thus facilitating the delivery of optimal care and improved patient outcomes. In addition to leadership, advanced practice nurses can also provide effective management by adhering to established policies and procedures and ensuring that all team members do the same.

One effective strategy employed at my facility is the quarterly town hall meeting. These sessions provide comprehensive information to all staff members about the facility’s ongoing initiatives and developments. Feedback from staff indicates that they feel more involved and well-informed about facility matters, fostering a sense of belonging and awareness among the team (NUR-514 Topic 2 DQ 1 leading vs managing Discussion post essay).

As a leader, another valuable strategy I utilize involves regular rounds to check in on both staff and patients. This practice allows me to gauge their well-being and availability for any assistance they may require. According to Hotko (2023), engaging in relationship-building questions during rounds enhances communication throughout the organization, signaling to employees that leaders genuinely care about their well-being. This approach contributes significantly to creating a robust workplace environment. Furthermore, my involvement in the shared governance committee at my facility enables me to support staff during busy days by providing snacks as a morale booster.

References

Hotka, B. (2023). Rounding for Outcomes: How to Increase Employee Retention and Drive Higher Patient Satisfaction. Learning Lab | Healthcare best practices | Studer Group. https://www.huronlearninglab.com/hardwired-results/hardwired-results-01/rounding-for-outcomes

Miller, H. L. (2022, May 6). The difference between leadership and management. Leaders.com. https://leaders.com/articles/leadership/leadership-management/#what-are-the-core-differences-between-leadership-and-management

NUR-514 Topic 2 Discussion Question 1 – Leading vs. Managing – Sample 2

Distinguishing between leading and managing can sometimes lead to misconceptions regarding the roles each entails. Often, the titles “leader” and “manager” are used interchangeably. A leader is responsible for creating a vision for the organization or company and need not hold a specific position but rather possess a vision and strategy for initiating change. On the other hand, a manager oversees the implementation of the vision set by leaders and is tasked with functions like planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Duggal, 2023). An insightful distinction highlighted in Leadership in Nursing Practice is that “managers have subordinates; leaders have partners” (Weberg et al., 2019, p. 139).

In my experience, having worked in healthcare since 2014 with various roles in different organizations, I have learned that while leaders and managers are expected to collaborate for a common goal or vision, this is not always the case. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are equipped with the tools necessary to bridge this gap. These tools include an understanding of leadership styles, conflict management, and the foundational qualities of effective leadership (Weberg et al., 2019).

As a relatively new nurse, I have not yet had the opportunity to take on leadership or management roles. However, I am actively learning the dynamics of my unit and participating in committees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization. I believe that experiencing different levels within an organization, listening actively, and understanding the dynamics are crucial steps toward becoming an effective leader. Being a good leader doesn’t always require being the one talking; it is equally important to observe and listen to the surroundings and the people within them.

Reference

Duggal, N. (2023, March 10). Leadership vs management: Understanding the key difference: Simplilearn. Simplilearn.com. https://www.simplilearn.com/leadership-vs-management-difference-article

Weberg, D. R., Mangold, K., Porter-O’Grady, T., & Malloch, K. (2019). Leadership in nursing practice: Changing the landscape of Health Care (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.