Leadership and Management

[gemini_star, BSN, RN]

What are the four primary skills of a nurse leader?

I have been searching online for days and can't find the specific four skills. It is always more than that. Any idea what are these?

Thanks in advance.

[Woodenpug, BSN]

My old school text "Nursing leadership and Management" by Patricia Kelly-Heidenthal says "Research findings from studies on nurses revealed tha caring, respectability, trustworthiness and flexibility were the leader characteristics most valued." That is a close as I can find to exactly 4. When you get it back from the professor, please post the right answer.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

page 68 of saunders comprehensive review for the nclex-rn examination, 3rd edition, by linda anne silvestri lists a couple of things, but doesn't label them as "skills":

• leadership qualities
  • communication
    • listens actively to others
      
    • communicates in an assertive manner and speaks directly and honestly to others
      
    • differentiates between aggressive, passive and assertive behavior to communicate appropriately in a given situation

    [*]credibility

    • leadership enhances a nurse's accountability
      
    • individuals who perform well are those who can influence others

    [*]critical thinking

    • an individual with an open-minded, questioning attitude is a critical thinker
      
    • the ineffective leader is one who falls into routine ways of thinking without even being aware of what is happening

    [*]initiation of action

    • initiates measures to solve problems
      
    • puts ideas into action and demonstrates flexibility
      
    • if an approach is ineffective, the leader is not hesitant to try another approach

    [*]risk taking

    • taking risks involves acting to solve problems
      
    • risk taking activities are goal directed

    [*]persuasiveness and influence

    • motivates and inspires others to achieve goals
      
    • understands how to use power effectively and does not dominate but rather motivates others
      
    • creates enthusiasm, encourages collaboration, and increases cohesiveness among team members

  [*]managerial functions

  • planning: determining objectives and identifying methods that leads to the achievement of those objectives
    
  • organizing: using resources (human and material) to achieve predetermined outcomes
    
  • directing: guiding and motivating others to meet the expected outcomes
    
  • controlling: using performance standards as criteria for measuring success and taking corrective action
    
  • decision making: identifying a problem and deciding which alternative(s) can best achieve the objectives

if i had to choose four of the above i would choose:

1. communication
   
2. initiation of action
   
3. persuasiveness and influence
   
4. decision making

the reason is because i have been a supervisor and manager for many years and these are the skills that are definitely part of doing that work. however, i have to say that the way your question is worded makes me think that your instructor has 4 very specific skills in mind that must have been mentioned in a specific article, textbook or lecture. i think you should pursue trying to find that reference to make sure you get the correct answer to the question since your grade might depend on it.

[gemini_star, BSN, RN]

My old school text "Nursing leadership and Management" by Patricia Kelly-Heidenthal says "Research findings from studies on nurses revealed tha caring, respectability, trustworthiness and flexibility were the leader characteristics most valued." That is a close as I can find to exactly 4. When you get it back from the professor, please post the right answer.

I will definitely post it here. I am intrigued what these 4 skills as well. She gave us the reference, the book's author is Tomey. But it was not available in our library. It's weird that its not there when it must be there.

Daytonite, thank you for ever being helpful. :redpinkhe

[Alem]

I am taking that class this semester and I am surprised on the responsibility they have to take.

Why would any nurse leave the bedside nursing for management?

I like the concept that every nurse is a manager as they delegate, collaborate and evaluate their actions.

[gemini_star, BSN, RN]

My old school text "Nursing leadership and Management" by Patricia Kelly-Heidenthal says "Research findings from studies on nurses revealed tha caring, respectability, trustworthiness and flexibility were the leader characteristics most valued." That is a close as I can find to exactly 4. When you get it back from the professor, please post the right answer.

The 6 Primary Skills of a Nurse according to Caroll

1) Communication skills

2) Decision-making skills

3) Time management skills

4) Conflict resolution/Problem-solving skills

5) Change management skills

6) Team-building skills

Our prof. failed to mention that it was six skills rather than 4 skills. Anyway, she didn't check our homework since no one found the exact answers. :redpinkhe

[llg, PhD, RN]

As you are all finding, different authors make different lists of the skills THEY think are most important. Different people simply organzie their thoughts in different ways. While some lists are better than others, no one list is right and the other are wrong.

When you are taking a class, it is important to know which author/book the teacher wants you to use. Do your assignments using THAT source so that your assignments will use a framework and language consistent with the one your instructor is using.