Being a nurse comes with some inherent leadership and management traits. Whether taking responsibility for patient outcomes or supervising care teams, nurses use their knowledge and influence for positive results.
Often used synonymously, nurse managers and nurse leaders share similar traits. However, they can have distinct roles within health care鈥攖his article explores what they are.
The Nurse Leader
A nurse leader can be described, in short, as inspirational. Even when they are not in a position of authority, nurse leaders will influence others.
Nurse leaders typically have exceptional communication skills and interpersonal competencies. They focus on empowering their colleagues to do what鈥檚 best for patients, themselves and their organizations. These are leaders dedicated to providing quality care efficiently and effectively.
There are actual nurse leadership roles, including nurse manager and nurse administrator. A nurse leader sets standards and embodies the organization鈥檚 mission and vision. In many cases, they are less task-oriented. Here are some of the responsibilities of nurse leaders who are:
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Develop policies and procedures
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Recruit, train, and supervise staff
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Facilitate professional development activities
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Represent nursing staff in meetings
Furthermore, nurse leaders should possess certain skills and traits. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership lists the core set of and their components:
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Communication and relationship-building鈥攅ffective communication; relationship management (including with medical staff); influential; diversity focus; and community involvement.
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Knowledge of the healthcare environment鈥攌nowledge of clinical practice, patient-care delivery models, health care policy and governance; research skills; supporting, monitoring and improving patient safety programs; improving performance; and risk management.
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Leadership鈥攆oundational thinking skills; learning from setbacks and successes; systems thinking; succession planning; and change management.
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Professionalism鈥攑ersonal and professional accountability; career planning; upholding ethical principles and compliance standards; and advocacy.
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Business Skills鈥攆inancial management; human resource management; strategic management; and information and technology management.
The Nurse Manager
Nurse managers ensure day-to-day functions run as smoothly as they can. They are involved in several specific tasks related to patient care and staff management. These activities range from treatment planning to mentoring new nurses. In addition, nurse managers:
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Communicate and coordinate with medical team members
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Prepare and monitor budgets
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Schedule nursing shifts
鈼�&苍产蝉辫; Manage records
Nurse managers have leadership characteristics, but in management roles use a technical skillset. They support departmental work by making sure the necessary processes, resources and materials are being applied in practice.
Nurse managers are typically knowledgeable about current standards and use healthcare technology.
Furthermore, they serve a crucial role in centralized command. Nurse managers translate and prioritize organizational goals for frontline healthcare staff and work to remove obstacles that could impact performance. They also support staff, advocate for patients and offer a calm presence in times of emergency. Nurse managers see the direct impact of the care they provide and are usually aware of the personal and professional needs of those around them.
Achieving Goals Together
Nurse managers and nurse leaders are essential to the success of health care organizations. They create balance鈥攍eaders envision and inspire, while managers measure and maintain. Nursing practice benefits from effective leadership and management.
Aspiring nurse leaders and managers can take an important first step in Carlow鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This BSN nursing program establishes the foundation for a nursing career, while encouraging leadership and management skills.