Basic Nursing: Foundations of

Skills & Concepts Chapter 30

LEADERSHIP AND WORK TRANSITION

Leadership

The ability to direct or motivate others to achieve goals.

Many personal qualities are associated with leadership, including self-direction, flexibility, and assertiveness.

Leadership Styles

Autocratic (task-oriented; based on premise that leader knows best).

Democratic (based on the underlying belief that every member of the team should have input).

Laissez-Faire (a passive, nondirect approach that empowers the group rather than one person).

Leadership Skills

Communication. Problem Solving. Self-Evaluation. Management.

Management

The accomplishment of tasks through the effective use of people and resources.

Every nurse is a manager.

Aspects of Management

Planning. Organizing. Supervising. Monitoring.

Planning

Identifying tasks to be accomplished. Determining available resources. Assessing skill level of workers. Identifying problems. Setting priorities.

Organizing

Making client assessments. Ensuring availability of resources. Sharing pertinent information. Determining time tables (e.g. of breaks,

lunch, completion of certain tasks).

Supervising

Directing care provided by others. Investigating problems. Communicating information. Reallocating people and resources as

needed. Educating staff as needed.

Monitoring

Determining whether tasks have been accomplished.

Assessing need for further action. Ensuring that proper documentation is

completed.

Tasks of the LP/VN

Client assessments (can collect data but not perform physical assessments).

Independent development of nursing care plan.

Intravenous chemotherapy.

Any procedures involving central lines.

Triage, case management, or mental health counseling.

Administration of blood and blood products.

Administration of initial doses of any intravenous medication.

Tasks of the UAP

Activities of Daily Living (feeding, grooming, toileting, ambulating, dressing).

Vital signs. Venipuncture. Applying clean dressings

without assessment. Non-nursing functions

(clerical work, transport, cleaning).

Glucometer use. Mouth care and oral

suctioning. Care of hair,skin, and

nails. Electrocardiogram

measurements.

Delegation

The process of transferring to a competent individual the authority to perform a select task in a select situation.

State provision for the delegation of nursing tasks vary.

Accountability

The responsibility for actions and inactions performed by oneself or others.

Assignment

The transfer of activities from one person to another, involving the downward or lateral transfer of both responsibility and accountability for an activity.

Delegation/Assignment: Factors to Consider

The potential for harm. The complexity of the task. The required problem solving and

innovation. The unpredictability of the outcome. The required coordination and consistency

of the client’s care.

The Five “Rights” of Delegation

Right Task. Right Circumstance. Right Person. Right Direction/Communication. Right Supervision.

Care Prioritization: Factors to Consider

Safety. Timing. Interdependence

of Events.

Client Requests. Availability of Help. Client’s Status. Availability of

Resources.

Job Description

A written outline of job responsibilities. May include a list of competencies (the

specific skills or tasks needed for a particular position).

Policies

Written descriptions of the employer’s expectations for handling various situations.

Procedures

Step-by-step instructions describing the processes for performing various nursing tasks.

Organizational Chart

A visual representation of the relationships of one department to another within the facility and/or the relationship of the facility to other facilities in a health care network.

State Board Examination and Licensure: The NCLEX-PN

The examination that all practical nurses must pass in order to be licensed.

Tests the skills and knowledge required for entry-level practice.

After successfully passing the NCLEX, the nursing license from the state board is issued.

Employment Opportunities

Hospitals. Long-Term Care

Facilities and Rehabilitation Centers.

Community Health Agencies.

Private Duty. Home Care Agencies.

Hospice. Occupational Health. Correctional Facilities. School. Parish. Insurance Companies.

8 Steps to Securing a Job

1. Identifying your objective.2. Preparing a résumé.3. Preparing a cover letter.4. Preparing a list of references.5. Preparing a telephone call script.6. Completing a job application.7. Preparing for the interview.8. Preparing a thank you note.

Résumé A job-hunting tool that summarizes your

employment qualifications. Includes:

Name, address, phone number, and e-mail, if you have an account.

Objective. Educational experience including names of schools,

dates attended, and course of study. Employment history including employers’ names and

addresses, dates of employment, and description of work experience.

The Interview: Helpful Hints

Research the employer. Anticipate questions. Be prepared.