LEADERSHIP AND THE NURSING ASSOCIATE  LEARNING LOG   27/09/2024

 

The lesson started with a recap from the last session and was focussed on the assignment with some queries. Later we looked at the learning outcomes and defined leadership as being a positive role model, with very high good values, being licensed, and it is based on values. 

Leadership can also be defined as an act of leading a group of people. It inspired and guided individuals towards a shared objective. Some examples of leadership qualities are to protect, head, mentor, teach etc. The public perception that impacts individuals is long wait times, poor performance on health at the A&E, Nurses/ Dr strike actions, lack of trust, burnout to name but a few. 

The NHS Constitution states that:

•  The NHS should provide a comprehensive service, available to all.
• Access to the NHS service is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay.
• The NHS aspires to the highest standard of excellence and professionalism.
• The patient will be at the centre of everything the NHS does.
• The NHS works across organisational boundaries.
• The NHS is committed to provide best values for taxpayers’ money
• They are accountable to the public, communities and patients that they serve.

According to NHS England, 2024, Clinical governance is the system through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which clinical excellence will flourish.

There are 5 themes of clinical governance, they are as follows:

 

• Patient focus – this means focussing on the safety of the patient, by reducing errors and minimising harm. These will be carried out by patient and public involvement (partnership working), risk assessment, safety briefings,and safety toolkits.
• Information focus – information is held lawfully (bridging confidentiality), the principles of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are upheld. These can be done by audits, ensure digital literacy and implement data protection and legislation (mandatory training).
• Quality improvement – this means improving patient experience, improving patient safety, and improving clinical effectiveness. They can be carried out by collecting data from both patient and their family members (feedbacks), questionnaires, patient advice and liaison service (PALS), friends and family test (FFT)
• Staff focus – safe and appropriate recruitment and management of staff, appreciate education and training. They can be carried out by appraisals, performance management, learning opportunities and training, access to resources to undertake roles.
• Leadership – empowering, valuing and supporting staff, by improving patient safety and experiences,  drives the key performance indicators (KPIs). These can be done by open and transparent leadership, appropriate leadership styles and undertake KPIs.

We had an activity in class regarding the definition of a leader, how is the student nursing associate/ nursing associate as a leader.

I thought of being a positive role model, being supportive, sharing experiences of good practice, to protect both the patient and colleagues, to monitor the day to day affairs.

We looked at three attributes of a leader.

• Interpersonal competency(building relationships, clear communication with colleagues).
• Contemporary clinical knowledge  ( keeping on up to date affairs)
• Acting a role model ( be a good example)

We also had an activity  on the padlet that was very educational. Leadership (skills) and management (position)  differences  and the types of leadership theories and styles were also discussed.

 

We looked at some characteristics of a compassionate leader:

• Emotional intelligence
• Integrity
• Listening
• Trust
• Authenticity
• Openness
• Caring
• Reflectiveness
• Commitment
• Genuineness

And in delivering compassionate leadership always be:

• Attending – actively listen to people.
• Understanding – understand how people feel, give them your time.
• Empathising – being genuine, avoiding sympathy.
• Helping – be solution focused, be practical and give your time.

 

                        

 

                                   KSBs ADDRESSED.

 

                    KNOWLEDGE 

 

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfil all registration requirements.

K2: Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health.

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice. 

K11: Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes.

K12: Understand the importance of early years and childhood experiences and the possible impact on life choices, mental, physical and behavioural health and well-being. 

K13: Understand the contribution of social influences, health literacy, individual circumstances, behaviours and lifestyle choices to mental, physical and behavioural health outcomes.

K18: Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments.

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice. 

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met. 

K26: Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld. 

K30: Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments. 

K31: Understand how inadequate staffing levels impact on the ability to provide safe care and escalate concerns appropriately.

K32: Understand what constitutes a near miss, a serious adverse event, a critical incident and a major incident. 

K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes. 

K34: Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations. 

K36: Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care. 

K38: Understand the complexities of providing mental, cognitive, behavioural and physical care needs across a wide range of integrated care settings.

K40: Understand own role and contribution when involved in the care of a person who is undergoing discharge or a transition of care between professionals, settings or services. 

K41: Know the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of different members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and own role within it. 

K42: Understand and apply the principles of human factors and environmental factors when working in teams. 

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills.

 

                                                 SKILLS

 

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements. 

 S3: Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision. 

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills. 

S7: Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges.  

S9: Develop, manage and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues. 

S38: Prioritise and manage own workload, and recognise where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members.

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services .

 

                                     BEHAVIOURS

 

B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting an individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences. 

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice. 

B3: Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness.