show an interest in them as people.
The leader behaviors of initiating structure and consideration define four leadership styles:
Low initiating structure, low consideration
High initiating structure, low consideration
High initiating structure, high consideration
Low initiating structure, high consideration
The Ohio State University studies associate the high initiating structure–high consideration leader behaviors with better performance and satisfaction outcomes than the other styles. This leadership style is considered effective, although it is not appropriate in every situation.
Real World Interview
It is important that beginning nurses see themselves as leaders. Leadership doesn't mean you have to have an administrative title. The central task of leadership is catalyzing others to achieve shared values in a complex world that is constantly changing and requiring us to design new ways of achieving our goals. This is a description of what is required of nurses each day, every day.
Angela Barron McBride, PhD, RN, FAAN
Distinguished Professor‐Dean Emerita
Indiana University School of Nursing
Indianapolis, Indiana
Evidence from the Literature
Citation: Buresh, B. and Gordon, S. (2013). From silence to voice: What nurses know and must communicate to the public (The culture and politics of health care work). 3rd ed. Ithaca, NY: ILR Press.
Discussion: In this book by Suzanne Gordon and Bernice Buresh, the authors convey their journalistic perspectives and experience in writing about health care work. They provide an informative insight that nurses need to do a better job of accurately describing what nurses do and how nurses use expert knowledge acquired through scientific and technical mastery. They caution that nurses fail to articulate the value of the contribution nurses make to successful patient outcomes. Their message to nurses is that there is a reason that the public has such little understanding of nursing and the importance of our work. The reason is twofold: traditional stereotypes about nursing cloud the reality of nursing as it is currently practiced, and nurses have been patterned to describe their contribution to health care in self‐sacrificing and anonymous ways.
Implications for Practice: Nurses need to be clear about why it is important for the public to know what nurses do and how nurses use specialized knowledge based on science to deliver health care. This book is an important vehicle from which nurses can begin to examine their own words and ways of discussing what nurses do and reflect upon the historical religious and societal practices that interfere with a clear, accurate, and realistic image of modern nursing. It is important for nurses to be clear about the value of nursing—their assessments, decisions, knowledgeable actions, ability to educate, emergency responses, and therapeutic compassion. What nurses often think of as their ordinary work is really quite extraordinary. Nurses use scientific knowledge, expert judgment, and complex skills to make critical decisions that affect patient outcomes. Nurses need to be able to articulate how they do their work and the difference it makes in the lives of patients and families, their communities and to the health of the nation.
Real World Interview
I have been a nurse for almost 60 years. I have come to realize that leadership and a happy life begins with me. As new nurses beginning your career, I suggest you assume leadership and identify your professional and personal goals. Select and add to the professional and personal goals and leadership strategies below. Identify your completion timeframe also.
| Professional Goals | Leadership Strategy | CompletionTimeframe |
|---|---|---|
| PassNCLEX‐RN | Take NCLEX‐RN review courseCheck out, https://ncsbn-external.myabsorb.com/#/public-dashboard, accessed January 31, 2020Practice 60 questions daily and review weak content areas identified on exit examRelieve anxiety with music, exercise, laughter | Take NCLEX‐RN within 2 months of graduation |
| Get first nursing job | Apply to 3 favorite, high quality hospitalsPractice interviewing with friend | Within 3 months of graduation |
| Orient to assigned nursing unit | Review evidence‐based patient care guidelines and 10 most common medications for type of patients you will care forIdentify a mentor to guide your clinical development | |
| Obtain nursing certification in your clinical practice | Review partial list of certifications at, https://nurse.org/articles/nursing-certifications-credentials-list, accessed January 31, 2020 | |
| Identify nursing goals | Obtain higher nursing degree, e.g., BSN, MSN, APN, Ph.D.Become an advanced practice nurse, e.g., www.allnursingschools.com/specialties/advanced-practice-nurse, accessed January 31, 2020Become a travel nurse, e.g., https://blog.bluepipes.com/best-travel-nursing-companies-2019, accessed January 31, 2020Start independent Nursing business, e.g., Jon Haws RN, at, https://nursing.com/contact, accessed January 31, 2020Join hospital or community Board of DirectorsJoin a professional nursing association and contribute to the strength of the nursing profession. | |
| Personal Goals | Dream Big! Choose your goals and lead yourself to the life of your dreams. Your life is waiting!Buy home in safe area. Check there are good schools in area to add to home value | |
| Grow your Net Worth. Calculate it yearly at, www.kiplinger.com/tool/saving/T063-S001-net-worth-calculator-how-to-calculate-net-worth/index.php, accessed January 31, 2020 | ||
| Enroll in 401 K, Roth IRA, or other investment program, earning at a good percentage rate with low fees. Deposit and let your money grow. Don't touch it until you are 65+. Do this and many become a millionaire! | Enroll in 10% automatic payroll deposit immediately in your first job. | |
| Read investment article in Kiplinger's, Consumer Report, Barron's, other, once monthly to build financial investing knowledge. | ||
| Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. Do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916, accessed January 31, 2020 | ||
| Run for Public Office and improve health care, www.dummies.com/education/politics-government/the-requirements-to-run-for-public-office, accessed January 31, 2020 | ||
| Help others, e.g., volunteer at a food pantry monthlyVolunteer as a short‐term Medical Mission Nurse, e.g., www.volunteerhq.org/blog/medical-mission-trips, accessed January 31, 2020 | ||
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Travel the world, enjoy new hobbies, take educational and fun
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