Unit 5001 Personal and Professional Development

This assignment will examine the role of management directly relating to the field of nursing. Improving individual management and leadership skills whilst taking into account competencies against objectives will be discussed. The purpose of this assignment is to enable myself to identify and evaluate my current level of skills. Developing future nurse leaders is one of the greatest challenges faced by the nursing profession (Mahoney, 2001). Powerful leadership skills are needed by all nurses from those providing direct care to those in top management positions. Anyone who is looked to as an authority (e.g., a nurse taking care of a patient) or who is responsible for giving assistance to others is considered a leader (Mahoney, 2001). A clinical nursing leader is one who is involved in direct patient care and who continuously improves care by influencing others (Cook, 2001). Leadership is not merely a series of skills or tasks; rather, it is an attitude that informs behavior (Cook, 2001). In addition, good leadership is consistent superior performance with long term benefit to all involved. Leaders are not merely those who control others, but they act as visionaries who help employees to plan, lead, control, and organize their activities (Jooste, 2004).

The English Dictionary (2000) defines the word “Manage” as to control the movement or behaviour of; to have charge of; to direct; to succeed in accomplishing; to carry on business; to contrive to get along; to organise”.
Kamp (1999) suggests no one can be effective as a manager of others if they have not learned how to manage themselves effectively. Kamp proposes that self-awareness and recognising our own strengths and weaknesses is vital if you are to be a model for others. She further states that motivating others is probably the most crucial part of the managerial role. Kitchen (2002) highlights the need for continuous investment in any team is crucial if they are to feel valued, are to remain with you and give you their best service. Thereby they are more inclined to re-invest back into the organisation, what you have invested in them. He goes on to say that people who are coached and encouraged, trained and developed, spoken with and listened too and understand their role in their employment partnership are likely to produce top performance.

I am currently employed as a Band 6 Assistant Ward Manager on a 19 bedded mixed sexed Specialist Dementia Assessment Unit based at Airedale Hospital. I have held this position for approximately four years. One of my main responsibilities is to ensure a safe effective workplace for all and this is achieved by working in partnership with the Ward Manager. Another of my responsibilities is to supervise 35 employees under guidance and direction of the Manager. The team consists of 1 Ward Manager, 2 Assistant Ward Managers, Registered Mental Health Nurses, 1 Occupational Therapist and 2 Occupational Therapy Support Workers, Health Care Support Workers and 1 Ward Administrator. At present time I work within a multi-disciplinary team which aims to provide a high evidence based standard of care to the Older Adult who has a diagnosis of Dementia or memory impairment. I assist the Ward Manager by ensuring high standards of care are formulated and delivered to all service users whilst taking into account Trust policies and procedures, local government policies and Nursing Midwifery Council competencies are maintained.

I adhere to the admission pathway which consists of planning, formulating and implementing care plans. This identifies an individual’s needs whilst achieving a goal and outcome however I always take into account the service user’s best interest. This is in line with assisting were necessary, medical staff in carrying out of prescribed treatments to be delivered to service users with their consent. I compile risk assessments and maintain thorough documentation