Are all nurse mangers leaders? Although leadership and management monikers are often interchanged in conversation, the reality is that being a leader requires very different skills than that of a manager. This article discusses those differences and explores what they can mean to you as a nurse.
The Institute of Medicine’s The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, published in 2010, offers the nursing workforce a map to follow to keep up with the changing needs of the diverse patient population. One of the four main goals included in this report is that nurses should strive to achieve higher levels of education. Two ways that can be achieved is through advanced practice status, such as Certified Nurse Practitioner, or through specialty nursing certifications, such as CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse). According to a 2020 survey of nursing professionals, about 56% of men and 49% of women are considering pursuing higher education, certification or training.
The Magnet Recognition Program®, developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), awards the designation of “Magnet Hospital” to organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing, nursing innovation and patient care. Currently, only 461 hospitals in the U.S. have earned this distinction, according to data from Duquesne University School of Nursing, and out of the top 20 Best Hospitals Honor Roll from 2017 - 2018, 17 are Magnet Hospitals.
No one goes into nursing expecting a cakewalk. This profession is not only physically demanding, but mentally and emotionally taxing, too. You’re expected to be strong in the face of suffering and tragedy while also showing compassion and empathy, and straddling this line can be difficult.
Because many conversations between healthcare professionals and patients discuss serious issues concerning patient’s health, it is extremely important to make sure that the practitioner uses appropriate communication skills. These discussions should always be kind and informative. You should maintain eye contact, deliver the information with respect and care and be open to the other’s point of view.
