Date of Learning:27/09/2024
Time: 09:30-16:30
Title of learning activity: Leadeship and MAnagement
Diary of Learning activity
During today’s session at university, we spent all day with Scott, our lecturer for the leadership module. The morning session focused on leadership and the nursing associate role. We explored various leadership theories and styles. It was enlightening to understand how these theories apply to practice in nursing. Theories such as transformational and transactional leadership were discussed, providing a framework for understanding how different approaches can influence team dynamics and patient outcomes. I found the concept of situational leadership particularly relevant to the role of a nursing associate, where adapting leadership style based on the situation can lead to more effective team management and decision-making. The session also focused on how leadership styles, such as autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire, can shape the way we communicate and collaborate in healthcare settings. The emphasis on compassionate leadership was another key takeaway from the morning. Compassionate leadership fosters a supportive and empathetic environment, which is crucial in healthcare where emotional resilience and patient-centered care are essential. I learned that leading with compassion not only improves team morale but also enhances patient care by creating a culture of trust and openness. This leadership approach aligns with my own values as a nursing associate, where building rapport with patients and colleagues is fundamental.
In the afternoon session, the focus shifted to interpersonal skills for leadership, specifically understanding how human and environmental factors influence leadership effectiveness. We discussed how factors such as team diversity, work environment, and communication styles impact leadership. I gained a deeper appreciation of the complexities involved in leading a team, especially in high-pressure healthcare environments. The ability to manage interpersonal relationships, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive work environment were identified as critical skills for effective leadership. Another significant topic was prioritisation, workload management, and delegation. As a nursing associate, balancing multiple responsibilities is part of daily practice. The session helped me reflect on my own experiences and how I can improve my ability to prioritise tasks and delegate responsibilities more effectively. We discussed tools and strategies for managing workload, which I plan to implement in my practice to enhance my efficiency and reduce stress. This day has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of leadership in nursing, as well as practical strategies to develop and refine my leadership abilities in my role as a nursing associate.
KSBs addressed:
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| B1 | Treat people with dignity, respecting 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 |