Organizational Structure and Power

What did you actually learned from the unit.
 This week was interesting...I guess I learned or was reminded of the different ways of thinking that men and women have. I realized that from the readings and surveys done about leadership qualities and their relationship to men and women, that women seem to possess more leadership specific qualities and they may make a better leader in the workplace. I learned that both men and women have skills and traits of a leader and it really comes down to just that, traits and characteristics not skills alone that make a great leader. I also learned how important it is to use power appropriately and not like a golf club and just swing it at coworkers. Currently I am a staff nurse and have leadership over CNAs. I am always striving to successfully lead them and delegate to them. I hope I never come across as the nurse that says my way or the high way.

2. Discuss your feelings/experiences from the team activities? Did it change your opinion on the subject? If so, how? If not, why?

The discussion this week was interesting. It was difficult for all of us to have a specific answer about whether men or women would be better leaders. I feel that I am sticking to my original post and feel that women would be the better leader. It was interesting to hear from everybody's perspective and I think we were split on our decision. But ultimately, it comes down to preference and environment I think.


3. How you will utilize the information learned in your nursing practice.

I can learn to cultivate those leadership traits and qualities that were identified in the survey as being ones that create and effective leader (honesty, integrity, intelligence, hard work, compassion, outgoing, and creativity to name a few). I can utilize power in the correct way and use democratic leadership styles.

4. You personal feelings about the material covered.

I felt the discussion this week was difficult and it definitely wasn't my favorite. The videos were interesting and the lecture was helpful in understanding leadership and command in the nursing field. I was able to see what was beyond a charge RN position or house supervisor and the benefits to each of those higher management positions.