Organizational Systems and Leadership KOT1
Task# 1 Interdisciplinary Team Leadership
Deborah Santos
Western Governor’s University

Nurses are an indispensible team member in the healthcare settings because of the many roles they take such as clinicians, managers, mentors and leaders. In addition the nurses also collaborate with a variety of disciplines; making them important links to the rest of the healthcare staff and patients. The first area to discuss is to understand how nurses on the interdisciplinary team can exert leadership roles without having to occupy that position. The second idea to examine next is the importance of a nurse taking an active role within the interdisciplinary team. Lastly, is to reflect on how to create a safe environment in the healthcare settings by applying the four characteristics of a culture of safety from the teachings of, “The Institute of the Healthcare Improvement” program. The first aspect of being a role model is the nurse’s communication skills because this allows clear and concise directions to be reported or announced to the team. Having a confident vocal skills show others the nurse can be looked up to for guidance. In addition, having strong communication skills will also garner respect from the other team members. The nurse would be able to command the attention of the room and they would listen to what is being said. Communication is the foundation to showing role model leadership.
The second aspect of being a role model is showing respect. For example, the nurse will listen to what others have to say. Many disciplines are together and the meetings can get hectic. The interdisciplinary members can start acting out or disagreeing with plans for their patients. So the nurse would try to steer the team toward their goal. This shows the nurse is helping out the team thus showing leadership qualities. The nurse becomes a role model leader by reminding the team members their positions and everyone has a say in their input; making sure the respect is maintained. Role models give respect and they earn the others.
The third aspect of being a role model is fostering an environment for growth. A scenario is when a worker does something wrong, the nurse doesn’t punish but rather teach and go over the mistake. In turn the worker will understand the mistake and learn from it, hopefully improving their skills next time. The nurse will be seen as role model in the worker’s eyes because they were understanding and are not condescending.
These are the aspects of being a role model because these qualities exude leadership capabilities even without having the title or formally one. The first quality is communication skills which allow the nurse to be vocal and be heard when needed. The second quality is giving respect to the team members input which shows the nurse is willing to make compromises with the team. Role models are respectful to others giving them a chance to speak. Finally providing opportunity to grow shows the nurse cares for improvement in the staff. This strategy of being a role model is a way of being a leader.
The second strategy for the nurse is being an advocate which is another way of being a leader. An advocate is someone who supports others. For example, a Physician may order something that is against the patient’s wishes and is supported by documentation. The nurse has to defend the patient against the Physician because the legalities of the issues. The order stating “no mechanical ventilation” and the Physician wants to intubate against the patients wishes. The nurse provides all the proof and reasoning to the Physician why it shouldn’t be done or the Physician can risk getting sued or worse. The nurse takes the affirmative leader role to support the patient, which also protects the hospital and the Physician’s employed status. In addition, the nurse can be advocate for their fellow staff members by keeping them informed from the information they have gathered