Leadership
Case Study
Two new associate-degree graduates were hired for the pediatric unit. Both worked three 12-hour shifts a week; Jan worked the day-to-evening shift and Rosemary worked the night shift. Whenever their shifts connected, they would compare notes on their experience. Jan felt she was learning rapidly, gaining clinical skills and beginning to feel at ease with her colleagues.
Rosemary, however, still felt unsure of herself and often isolated. There have been times that she was the only registered nurse on the unit all night. The aides and LPNs were very experienced, but Rosemary feels she is not ready for that kind of responsibility. Rosemary knows she must speak to the nurse manager about this, but she’s called several times, and she’s never available. The shift assignments are left in the staff lounge by an assistant.
Questions
Your discussion post should answer the following questions in a well-constructed commentary.
To what extent is this problem due to a failure to lead? Who has failed to act?
What style of leadership was displayed by Rosemary? The nurse manager?
How effective was their leadership? What are your suggestions for Rosemary?
Sample Answer
In this scenario, the lack of adequate communication and support for new nurses on the pediatric unit highlights a failure of leadership. Several individuals have failed to act, contributing to Rosemary’s feelings of isolation and uncertainty.
Nurse Manager’s Failure to Lead
The nurse manager bears the most significant responsibility for this situation. Their failure to be readily available for consultation and address Rosemary’s concerns demonstrates a lack of responsiveness and accountability. The nurse manager’s role is to ensure that all staff members, particularly new nurses, feel supported and have access to guidance. By failing to provide this support, the nurse manager has created an environment where Rosemary feels overwhelmed and hesitant to speak up.