Question

Nurse Victoria Munoz has been reading leadership theory. She had hoped to be inspired by this new knowledge and discover better ways to solve some problems in the nursing work environment. Instead, Nurse Munoz is puzzled. The real work environment is dramatically different from what the theory says it should be. Many articles call for strong, motivating leadership in nursing with shared leadership and empowerment of staff nurses. However, in the health care environment in which Nurse Munoz works, nursing units have been consolidated and reorganized. The inpatient nurse managers are now responsible for multiple nursing units. The nurse managers of the ambulatory clinics have been realigned to report to a physician Director of Clinics. Everyone has a new role, position, boss, and followers.

Furthermore, the nurses of the inpatient clinical departments have been exhausted from work overload and now feel angry and devalued because of the effects on the Department of Nursing. The final straw comes when they realize that the new directors of the nonclinical departments have been promoted within 3 months of the organizational changes, whereas the nurse managers remain at their previous level.

• 1.What is the problem?
• 2.What are the key issues?
• 3.How should Nurse Munoz handle the situation?
• 4.What should Nurse Munoz do first to demonstrate leadership?
• 5.What leadership style would be most appropriate in this situation?
• 6.What leadership and management strategies might be helpful?

Answer 1

1) The main problem here is the difference between ideal circumstance (expected) and the real one.

2) Key issues

- Changes in the Organizational structure-

- lack of Communication and clarity of what is expected

- work overload

- Demotivation (due to no promotion) and stress among workers

3) To handle the situation

- include other nurses in decision-making (to make sure their expectations and needs are heard), built a relationship of trust and confidence

- provide direction and support (how things are done),

- Coordinate, collaborate, and place channels for effective communication

- Empower and motivate the staff

4) To demonstrate leadership Nurse Munoz should lead the way and show them how things are expected in the restructured Organization. She should communicate vision and motivate the staff by the shared common goal of providing best care the patient

5) Nurse Monaz should follow transformational leadership

As the workplace is undergoing big changes and restructuring for improvement, its important that she focuses on the big picture (improved patient care, better systems and processes). In building relationships and motivating staff members through a shared vision and mission. She should communicate vision, act confidently to inspire others, show respect and encouragement to the staff

6) leadership and management strategies

-Acknowledge and reward success

- Establish individual accountability: highlight strengths of individual

- Promote multi-level communication

- Watch and listen : Interact often to build relationship and gain trust

- Ask questions : address workplace problems