Introduction for Nurse Leader Interview

NURS 490- Nurse Leadership

Purpose of Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is for the student to gain insight into nursing leadership roles by

interviewing a local nursing leader. Using a structured and organized interview process,

the student will be able to describe the leadership style and leadership skills of the nursing

leader as well as reflection of personal leadership traits.

Approach to Assignment

This interview paper allowed me to explore the many different styles of leadership as well as

give me an idea of what style I would like to possess as a leader. Leaders, especially nurse

leaders, wear many hats. This interview allowed me to appreciate, even more, how valuable

leadership skills are and having a good leader.

Reason for Inclusion

I include this interview within my portfolio because I want it to be a reminder of the goals I have

in leadership. Like Valorie, leaders get their start at the bottom and work their way up, through

education, experience, and hard work.

This paper was fun to write because it was based on a person and not just research only. I

enjoyed writing it.

Critical Thinking

Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice.
 Valorie described her leadership traits as Transformational and applied AACNs synergy

model, Watsons caring moments and Leiningers transcultural care model to her practice

and career as a leader.

Nursing Practice

Performs direct and indirect therapeutic interventions that incorporate principles of

quality management and proper safety techniques based upon assessment findings.
In the interview, Valorie described her leadership traits as compassionate, inspirational,

empowering, engaging and charismatic, among others. These traits, I believe help one to

engage in the direct and indirect therapeutic interventions between a leader and their

staff, or a nurse and their patient.

Communication

Expresses oneself and communicates effectively with diverse groups and disciplines

using a variety of media in a variety of contexts.

In the paper, I discussed Valories skills in leadership and in teaching. She frequently

holds short inservice sessions and loves using PowerPoint. Her expectations are clear

and we know what standards and goals she has for our unit and us.

Teaching

Uses information technologies and other appropriate methods to enhance ones own

knowledge base.
In the interview, we discussed the ways Valorie encourages education. She constantly

searches Healthstream for classes that would benefit us, as well as providing research

articles, holding inservices for us on a frequent basis and promoting education between

co-workers.
Research

Shares research findings with colleagues.

Valorie is frequently providing research articles to us and even having a binder dedicated

to articles related to PACU. She is actively engaged in research and education. The

interview itself showed how prepared Valorie is, considering she did much research

before our actual interview in preparation.

Leadership

Delegates and supervises the nursing care given by others while retaining the

accountability for the quality of care given to the patient.

Valorie is easily approachable and makes herself readily available for follow-up to the

patient and their family. She feels comfortable coming to us with problems and helping

us to resolve conflict. Valorie also likes to promote opportunities for growth by providing

constructive feedback, having frequent educational experiences and providing research

articles to help improve our practice. Our interview discussed her teaching skills and

love for research and education.

Professionalism

Demonstrates accountability for ones own professional practice.

Valorie has worked in a variety of areas, including many different PACUs, to gain this

experience to use in her leadership. She has worked hard to develop specific leadership

traits including empowering staff, encouraging, promoting learning and growth and

encouraging us to participate in shared governance.

Culture
 Considers the impact of research outcomes and, the effects of health and social

policies, on persons from diverse backgrounds.

Within my interview, Valories leadership traits show that she promotes nursing growth

and achievements. She is fair and strives to promote an equal voice among the surgical

services nurses to the rest of the hospital and practice. I can say from observation, that

she treats the staff, no matter what background or culture they come from, equally and is

sensitive to their learning styles and concerns. She frequently has inservice teaching

sessions for us and approaches each with sensitivity and an open mind.