Reflection Part B 1

Reflection Part B

Student Name: Bindu Sharma

Student No: 800-720-708
Nurs 250 : Reflection on Leadership experience
Saturday : February 28,2015

Reflection Part B 2

Reflection Part B
Effective leadership is important in all nursing roles. Leaders in the nursing profession
should have specialized knowledge, judgement, skills and clinical experience to perform
leadership roles. Nurses are called on to be leaders within their respective fields, thereby
contributing in excellence in nursing and ensuring that quality client outcomes are achieved
(Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, 2006 as cited in Kelly & Crawford, 2013)
I expect a leader to have leadership competencies, good communication skills,
motivational skills (inspiring the team members in the right direction), team building skills
(putting together the team to achieve goal), interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem
solving skills, supportive and have the ability to guide the team to achieve the goal. Contends
that nursing leaders are people who (1) have demonstrated skill in managing, (2) influence others
in the advancement of the profession, (3) possess interpersonal skills within and outside the
discipline, (4) have impressive publications, (5) maintain an imposing reputation. (Fagin, 1996
as cited in Kelly & Crawford, 2013)
On the first day of my clinical placement at the hospital, I was instructed to the acute care
unit on the 10th floor. I introduced myself to nurse Ms. B and mentioned that my clinical
instructor has assigned me to you. I observed the way Ms. B had demonstrated leadership
qualities. Path goal theory best relates to Ms. B. Path goal theory is leader who works to motivate

Reflection Part B 3
followers and influence goal accomplishments. She informed me that the focus is solely on the
priorities while providing care to the clients. Communication skills is one of the key elements in
a leadership role. As a leader, Ms. B knows the importance of effective communication in a
teamwork. I was assigned to one client. The client was on restraints due to dementia. Ms. B gave
me the information about the client and assisted me to take the vital signs as I noticed the client
was not cooperative. Client was asking some inappropriate questions, she answered very
professionally. She utilized communication techniques with the client. She also had three other
clients. She focused on the priorities during her care. She observed one client had distended
stomach and was in pain. She took initiative by checking the documentation. Ms. B noticed the
client had no BM for three days and she decided to phone the doctor. She did a bladder scan,
where the client was retaining urine and reported to the doctor. The doctor ordered urinary
catheterization, ultra sound and enema. Ms. B with her nursing experience had excellent
organisational skills. Ms. B put the catheter in before porter came to take the client for an ultra
sound. When the client returned from the ultra sound, she administered enema. She checked the
chemistry / lab work of another client. She reported to the doctor and ordered IV potassium. I
observed how she assisted her colleagues in client care. Teamwork is important in nursing
leadership role. I was granted a great leader for 12 hours on my first day at the hospital.
Another nurse called her for assistance as one client was having breathing problems. She
advised her to phone a respiratory therapist. The nurse phoned the RT who assessed the client
and administered the oxygen. Ms. B applied critical thinking for problem solving. Participative
leadership means that the leader focuses on involving followers in the decision-making process.
My first day at clinical is one of my best learning experience as a nursing student.

Reflection Part B 4
During my clinical experience I learned; a nursing leader should comply with regulatory
standards, relevant legislation and the practice settings and procedures. One should act in a
responsible, ethical and accountable manner. Use evidence informed practice and a theory based
approach to care. Must ensure client safety and a safe environment. Maintain privacy and
confidentiality according to Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Develop
relationship with clients that are caring, compassionate and respectful. Have knowledge of
practices and systems that support the diversity of clients and the inter-professional health care
team. Use self -awareness to identify the effects of beliefs, values, and personal experiences have
on relational practice.
Nursing leadership is about nurses who understand that the development of nursing
leaders must begin at the onset of every nursing education program and continue throughout the
career of every nurse about the competent and engaged practice of nurses who provide
exemplary care about nurses who create and use research and who ask the kind of questions and
seek the kinds of answers that can shape healthy public policy about nurses who develop ,
analyze and interpret policy and about innovative and visionary administrators from the first
level to the most senior nurse executives (Kelly and Crawford 2013 pg. 160 ).
As an effective follower I learned from my clinical leader who demonstrated leadership
characteristics. A leader as an individual with decision-making capacity, shared values with
nurses, a vision, and the ability to inspire others to work towards this vision (Dunham and
klafehn , 1990 as cited in Kelly & Crawford, 2013) . I believe a leader provides guidance and
support to their followers which allows the followers to develop their unique leadership style.
Leadership requires a high level of adaptability or flexibility from the leader. As stated by Kelly
& Crawford (2013) Professionals, nurses function as leaders when they influence others

Reflection Part B 5
towards goal achievement. Nurses are leaders. (p.169). I feel confident that I have knowledge
and nursing skills to be a competent nurse. Experience will give me the opportunity to develop
my leadership style.
Leaders are made, not born Vince Lombardi
I strongly agree with this statement. In my opinion, leadership skills are learned with
education and experience. Leadership competencies can be maintained and improved by gaining
knowledge. Leaders with ongoing experience learn how to get better in different situations to
lead the followers in the right direction. Every individual learns from their mistakes and there is
always scope for improvement. Learning is a life-long process. Emotional intelligence is an
important factor for an effective leader. A leader can learn EI and improve with age. Kelly &
Crawford (2013) states, EI is the common trait distinguishes individuals as leaders, innovators,
and effective managers. (p.170).
Yes, there are exceptions to this rule. When an individual is born in a royal family,
the leadership is inherited with birth. The British royal family is the example. The golden
opportunity is gained with birth and the individual gets the environment to grow as a leader.
Though they get the leadership due to inheritance doesnt mean they are great leaders. Leaders
are made by learning leadership skills. Knowledge is required to be a perfect leader and one has
to learn skills to perform a leadership role. Leaders have to guide, motivate and support the
followers in the right direction. All leaders are not the same. Leaders learn from their role model.
Leadership qualities are developed with experience in a leadership role.

References

Reflection Part B 6
Kelly, P. and Crawford, H. (2013). Nursing Leadership and management. (2nd ed).
Toronto: Nelson Education