Reflective Journal on Nurse Leadership - Essay Example

The nurse leader seemed very effective in her work. In fact, she displayed a positive attitude throughout the interview. Also, she was very knowledgeable about nursing and medicine in general. What struck me as unique about her was her strong leadership skills, especially excellent communication, motivation, integration, initiation, and facilitating work at the hospital. Additionally, she had a pleasant personality and thus easily mingled with her subordinates, asking for their input before making decisions and guiding them through difficult tasks. We took a little trip to the hospital where her excellent interactions with her peers and subordinates were displayed. Every staff was happy to see her. A student nurse approached her for guidance on how to diagnose a patient she was having difficulty with. The nurse happily helped her and asked her to feel free to consult her anytime she needed help. Other nurses booked several appointments with her to seek clarification and mentorship. She agreed to help them and congratulated them for their interest and passion.

It is amazing how the nurse exemplified Covey’s 8 characteristics of principle-centered leaders. For example, she was service-oriented (Yoder-Wise, 2015). During her responses, she was very passionate about nurses focusing on serving the patients at all times even when it inconvenienced their personal schedules. She gave an example of how she finds it difficult to deny patients services when she is supposed to be with her children, especially when there are emergencies at the hospital. I also observed that she believed in other people and worked together with them to improve their skills and become better healthcare providers. For example, she welcomed them to ask any questions and seek clarification on all nursing issues. She amazingly radiated positive energy, always smiling, multitasking, and talking with patients and staff, coordinating activities from different hospital wings. It is a wonder she found time for the interview at all!

She identified the democratic leadership style to direct her staff and achieve healthcare objectives. According to her, a democratic leader facilitates and enhances participation from her subordinates in all decision-making processes. Despite being the final decision maker, the nurse always seeks subordinates' input, especially in decisions that directly affect them such as hours and tools of work (Yoder-Wise, 2015). For example, she gathers information, new ideas, and feedback from her peers and subordinates before making any decision. Her definition matches that in the textbook because she displays the attributes of a democratic leader. For example, the book says that a democratic leader allows participation in decision-making. The nurse achieves this by seeking information and ideas before making a final decision.

I find her leadership style and mannerisms very professional with a personal humane touch. I would follow her style and mannerisms because I found her to be a remarkable leader, who is a role model to her subordinates. She is a firm, competent, energetic, and highly effective leader, yet she is so kind.  As a leader, I will emulate the aspect of allowing participation of subordinates in decision-making. Judging from her experience allowing participation increases subordinates’ willingness to execute final decisions. I would also emulate her service orientation, ability to connect with all staff, belief in people, synergy, and positive energy. She is an amazing leader, one who I would like to interact with again!