My week 9 reflective journal focuses on the leadership behaviors observed from the preceptor and other leaders, those I demonstrated, and the leadership skills I gained during the period. My preceptor and other leaders at the practicum site demonstrated exemplary leadership behaviors that positively influenced the nursing team’s ability to implement the suggested strategy to reduce patient falls. The preceptor demonstrated transformational leadership with the other leaders focused on teamwork through effective communication (James et al., 2021). The leaders demonstrated effective support and encouraged nurses to collaborate in all their activities, including implementing the capstone change project proposal. The leaders also exhibited a servant leadership approach as they actively listened to nurses, empathized with all people, and worked through teams to attain the expected outcomes. As such, my preceptor and other leaders exhibited positive leadership styles; from transformational to democratic and servant.
Throughout the practicum, I focused on effective and consistent communication to integrate with all stakeholders. I demonstrated servant and transformational leadership styles by focusing on patient needs while implementing better strategies leading to more change (Labrague et al., 2021). I managed the emotions and distress that I encountered due to a rise in my emotional intelligence levels. For instance, interacting with geriatric patients is not easy since some have mental health issues that make them forget and have to be reminded of certain things. Therefore, I had to be patient as I empathetically listened to them. Further, interacting with colleagues and sharing with them some aspects of the project was essential in improving its outcomes.
The practicum experience has been instrumental as it has enabled me to develop certain leadership skills (Stanley et al., 2022). I have gained a broader perspective of what it entails to be a leader like having a vision and being decisive. I have also improved my communication skills and confidence when working in teams. However, I recognize that more improvement is essential for better projection in the future. I need to improve in my interactions with colleagues, especially interpersonal communication, and delegation. I should communicate better and allow others to execute some tasks for better long-term outcomes in other clinical practice settings.
James, A. H., Bennett, C. L., Blanchard, D., & Stanley, D. (2021). Nursing and values‐based
Leadership: A literature review. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(5): 916-930.
DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13273.
Labrague, L. J., Al Sabei, S., Al Rawajfah, O., AbuAlRub, R., & Burney, I. (2021). Authentic
Leadership and nurses’ motivation to engage in leadership roles: The mediating effects of
nurse work environment and leadership self‐efficacy. Journal of nursing management,
29(8): 2444-2452. DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13448.
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