Allison Carlucci
anyone who uses interpersonal skills to influence others to accomplish a specific goal (Sullivan,
2013, p. 41). Therefore, to be an effective leader, one must possess and demonstrate qualities
and traits of a nurse leader. A leader is someone in a formal or informal position who is on the
frontline and promotes change by inspiring and empowering others. As a future nurse, it is
The nurse who I chose to interview holds several leadership roles at the hospital where
she works. She is a bedside nurse in an intensive care unit (ICU) as well as charge nurse.
Additionally, this individual is an MRT responder, a member of the partnership council at her
hospital, a part of the skin team and has been a preceptor for several student nurses. I chose to
interview this individual not only because she holds several leadership roles, but also because
after shadowing her for a short period of time, I was so impressed by how well she performs her
job. While she manages her multiple responsibilities very well, it is clear that her focus is
always centered around ensuring the safety and quality of care given to her patients.
Leadership Traits
Based on my conversation with the nurse leader I chose to interview, I believe that she
encompasses aspects from several different styles of leadership. For example, while this
individual displays characteristics associated with transformational leadership, she also embodies
the workplace and how a healthy work environment can have a positive impact on patient
adverse events while improving patient satisfaction (Heuston & Wolf, 2011, p. 248). This
demonstrates the benefits of utilizing the transformational style of leadership for the promotion
based on the premise that leadership originates from a desire to serve and that in the course of
serving, one may be called to lead (Sulluvan, 2013, p. 44). The nurse leader interviewed
represents this theory well. She discussed that when she is charge nurse she attempts to assist the
other nurses and ease their load when possible, and they in turn appreciate and respect her.
Additionally, the individual I interviewed identified several personal leadership traits which
included being a servant, being assertive when necessary, and trusting her colleagues, as well as
not micromanaging but always being willing to provide assistance when needed.
Organizational Structure
After discussing organizational structures with the individual whom I chose to interview,
she identified the hybrid structure as being similar to the structure used where she works.
According to Sullivan, the hybrid structure can provide simultaneous coordination within
product divisions, can improve alignment between corporate and service or product goals, and
foster adaptation to the environment while maintaining efficiency (2013, p. 16). This type of
structure can be beneficial as an organization grows. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that
hybrid managers enhance clinical and management outcomes, and that they can perform a key
role in determining organizational change (Correia & Denis, 2016, p. 108). In addition, the
nurse I interviewed works at an acute care hospital that is classified as a general care facility.
The hospital where she works is considered a teaching hospital and hires hospitalists to provide
Healthcare Challenges
NURSE LEADER 4
As a nurse leader, there will ultimately be many challenges that must be faced.
Therefore, it is beneficial to hear examples of how current nurse leaders have positively
addressed various challenges faced in healthcare. The individual I interviewed emphasized the
importance of using critical thinking to be proactive in ones care as a bedside nurse as well as
recognizing when to delegate. As a charge nurse, she said it is necessary to understand how to
balance protecting her team while also obeying orders from upper management, in addition to
being able to appropriately utilize resources while maintaining a positive attitude. According to
Sullivan, nurses unique skills in communication, negotiation, and collaboration position them
well for the system today and for the future (2013, p. 7). The example the nurse leader
interviewed provided of a time when she positively addressed a challenge faced in the workplace
demonstrates the need for communication. A challenge she faces as a charge nurse is managing
the high ratio of patients to nurses when making assignments for the day. For example, one day
she knew she would be losing three nurses at three that afternoon; therefore, she had to adjust
accordingly. The intensive care unit where she works has two floors, so she chose to put the
overflow patients on the same floor where one nurse can care for four patients, and the ICU
patients on the other floor, where one nurse can care for two or three patients if necessary.
Furthermore, she cared for two patients herself which meant that she could not be an MRT
responder. Therefore, she had to utilize her resources appropriately and alert either the CCU
charge nurse or the ICU nurse educator, both of whom are qualified to be an MRT responder.
Through communication, critical thinking and the appropriate use of resources, she successfully
placed nurses with patients in order to ensure patient safety. Leadership is a vital component of
nursing; therefore, it is necessary to cultivate leadership skills through not only firsthand
experiences but also through the experiences of current nurse leaders in health care.
NURSE LEADER 5
References
Correia, T., & Denis, J. L. (2016). Hybrid management, organizational configuration, and
Sullivan, E., J. (2013). Effective leadership and management in nursing. Upper Saddle River,
I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from any form
of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a
member of the academic community it is responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the
Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.
% Comments Points
Grading Criteria
Describe the nurse leader you chose for the 10
interview and why you chose this person