Attributes of Leadership Needed in Graduate Level Nurses - Essay Example

Leadership skills are necessary to ensure that the nursing vision is communicated, therefore, enabling them to transform the organization positively by working towards their goals. Leadership skills in graduate-level nurses should enable them to employ a participative kind of leadership instead of authoritative. The graduate-level nurses should understand that leadership is an attitude of excellence that is instilled in others by demonstrating superior performance and being ready to lead by example. Therefore, the graduate-level nurses should employ a participative model of leadership, which will act as a learning process for other nurses and influence them to work with great expertise (Institute of Medicine, 2011).

Graduate-level nurses should have various leadership skills. Firstly, they should be able to communicate the vision of future healthcare with their fellows. There are many developing issues and new practices in the medical field that need to be communicated to every medical practitioner. The graduate-level nurse should have access to the new information and ensure that their colleagues have obtained the information. This helps in improving the nursing practice by ascertaining that the best knowledge and skills are utilized to diagnose, treat and care for patients. Secondly, graduate-level nurses should have self-confidence. This is an important skill for nurse leaders, as it ensures that they are capable of assuming responsibilities and accountability in their activities (Heidenthal, 2004).

Thirdly, graduate-level nurses should be able to practice self-reflection. This leadership skill enables graduate-level nurses to think about their experiences and learn from them. It is important for nurse leaders to contemplate their previous encounters, as it assists them in making better decisions in the healthcare facilities and personal life. Fourthly, graduate-level nurses should be able to motivate, mentor, empower and inspire change among their colleagues. This can be done by becoming a great role model who can be trusted and looked upon when making critical decisions among other nurses. There are various ways that a graduate-level nurse can motivate, inspire and transform other nurses. Training is one of the key motivators that can help the nurses to hone their skills and appreciate their work, therefore, being inspired to work harder and better (Institute of Medicine, 2011).

I am more inclined to use the participative leadership style as a graduate-level nurse. As discussed in the first paragraph, this style of leadership helps to improve other people’s skills and increase their level of expertise (Bortoluzzi, Caporale & Palese, 2013). I am an easy person to work with, therefore, can easily interact and share knowledge with others. This attribute helps me to take criticism positively, give advice where needed and make efforts to improve my knowledge base. I have received many cultural experiences, as I can easily interact with others easily. Presently, healthcare facilities in America have to deal with different cultures, as the communities are more culturally diverse (Smith, Cronenwett & Sherwood, 2007). I have an understanding of various cultures through the numerous interactions that I have had with many people from different backgrounds.

This attribute assists me in developing cultural competence, therefore, enabling me to treat others without any form of prejudice (Institute of Medicine, 2011). I am self-confident, thus having the ability to make clear decisions and assume responsibilities for my actions. This attribute helps me to take responsibility for my actions and for others. Since high school, my dream was to become a nurse. This means that I chose this career out of passion and therefore, I am inspired and motivated to make a positive change in the profession. I love encouraging my colleagues to work efficiently, giving them advice when faced with problems and ensuring that I am up to date with the nursing issues. I act as a good role model for others.