Leadership and Safety
Abstract
Every person in the work field is subject to working under a leader figure or is a leader figure themselves. Characteristics of leaders and their styles of how they are involved in their respective teams vary. Some leadership positions actively contribute, while others exert leadership through informal roles. Is there a best way to lead, specifically in a health care setting? There is no formula that makes one style of leading better than another. An accumulation of styles is best for a leader to demonstrate; allowing them to handle different situations and workers the best way for that particular scenario. Overall, especially in the health care field, the formula to a functional work environment isn’t as important as the outcome- a safe environment for the patients and staff.
There are many formal and legitimate power roles in the health care system. One example is the charge nurse on a unit; although they may have the same credentials as the other nurses they are given a title and a formal leadership position over the other members of the team. It is vital that the interdisciplinary team work as a cohesive unit and be able to count on each member to contribute to provide the best care for the client. There are ways for members of the team to exert leadership without a formal leadership position as well; some ways they can do so is through being positive role models for other team members on the floor as well as being motivators.
Modeling behaviors such as arriving to work on time and prepared for the day are simple but very positive influences that one can have on other team members. “When you respond to others or task in a positive manner, it becomes contagious and others respond positively,” which can have a huge impact on the pace and energy in a work place. Let’s say that most nurses on a unit are scheduled 3 patients and today Ruth...