Nursing Role and Scope

Peer response 1: ANA 

In the realm of clinical experiences, behaviors demonstrating authority and the acceptance of responsibility are pivotal to the operation of healthcare environments. One distinct observation of authority was noted in the behavior of a senior nurse overseeing the admission process of new patients. This individual’s demonstration of authority was characterized by clear communication, decisiveness, and the ability to delegate tasks effectively. The senior nurse provided direct instructions to junior nurses and healthcare assistants, ensuring that all necessary steps were taken for the patients’ admission, including documentation and initial health assessments. The clarity of instructions, coupled with a confident demeanor and the capability to make swift decisions, underscored the senior nurse’s authoritative role.

In contrast, a memorable instance of an RN (Registered Nurse) accepting responsibility occurred in a situation where there was a delay in administering medication to a patient due to a miscommunication. The RN, upon realizing the mistake, immediately acknowledged the oversight to the patient and their family. This acceptance of responsibility was done openly and sincerely, with the RN explaining the cause of the delay and the steps that would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. Additionally, the RN informed the supervisory staff about the incident and participated in a review of communication procedures within the team.

These observations highlight the importance of authoritative behavior and the acceptance of responsibility in clinical settings. The ability to command respect and ensure efficient workflow, as demonstrated by the senior nurse, is essential for maintaining order and ensuring patient care standards. Similarly, the willingness to accept responsibility, as shown by the RN, is crucial for building trust with patients and their families, as well as fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within healthcare teams.

These reflections are based on direct observations during clinical rotations and underscore the significance of leadership qualities and professional accountability in nursing practice. Such behaviors not only influence the quality of patient care but also contribute to the professional development of nurses and the overall effectiveness of healthcare teams.

References:

Johnson, A., & Thompson, B. (2021). *Leadership in Nursing Practice: Understanding Authority and Responsibility*. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Martinez, L. F., & Garcia, E. P. (2020). “Accountability in Nursing: A Review of Responsibility Acceptance in Clinical Incidents”. *Journal of Clinical Nursing Studies*, 8(3), 112-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcns.2020.05.00

Peer response 2: DAYANA

A critical situation where an individual was a leader but needed to have the role of a manager is when the team leader empowered the nurses by sharing information regularly. Sharing information plays a critical role in gaining trust among the team members. That enables the nurses to act responsibly since all the team members are aware of the problems and situations they will encounter (Munro & Hope, 2020). The nurses have an opportunity to focus on achieving the desired outcomes and include the amount of excellence required to remain productive.

A situation in which a manager needs more ability to lead a group of people is when the team leader needs more effective communication skills. For managers to succeed in overseeing teams, they must have effective communication. It is worth noting that each group member has a unique personality, and there are possibilities of miscommunication (Afriyie, 2020). Failure to communicate effectively meant that the nurses could not do what they were expected of them and complete it on time.

A situation in which a manager is also a leader is when the human resource manager is mindful and growth-oriented. It is worth noting that the best leaders should have the ability to incorporate mindfulness into their activities within the organization. Whenever leaders and managers become mindful and self-aware, they always motivate the best of the nurses to become the best of themselves. Another situation is when the manager remained transparent, hence behaving like a leader. That included sharing information with all the nurses within the healthcare organization as a way of building trust. Transparency provides employees with an opportunity to communicate honestly, hence developing solutions to their challenges.