- Apply the five basic steps of the decision making process
The five basic steps of the decision making process will be applied to the implementation of a quality improvement initiative in an acute care hospital. The change initiative involves implementation of an electronic health record (HER) system. The first step of the decision making process is to identify the problem. At this step, relevant data is gathered and key participants identified. In this case, the hospital policy on the issue, evidence on the benefits and demerits of electronic health records would be considered. The second step is to determine the goal or expected outcome. Issues that can be considered at this step include questions on costs and efficiency of the EHR. The third step is to identify alternative courses of actions and their merits and demerits. At this stage, the current medical record system can be compared with the EHR. EHR systems from different vendors can also be considered. The fourth step is where a course of action is determined and implemented. After evaluation of the merits and demerits of the various information record systems, a course of action is determined. The fifth step is to evaluate the decision with regards to whether the goal was reached (Kelly & Tazbir, 2013).
2. Describe how managers can ensure more effective communication by overcoming roadblocks
The effectiveness of communication in nursing is hampered by interpersonal conflicts, distortion of information flow, and centralization of decision-making processes. Hospital specific barriers to communication include fragmented work processes, work shifts, and resistance to change. Nurse managers can ensure more effective communication by optimizing oral/written communication, training staffs about the importance of communication, and formalization of conduct/actions through written records. Training of staffs through workshops and other programs can help raise awareness on the importance of communication. Formalization of conduct through written records helps to promote consistency in the interpretation of actions taken. This is essential to avoid creation of the impression of favoritism (Santos, 2012).
3. Analyze the traits of an effective manager
Management involves developing good relationships that get the job done. This requires managers to understand people. An effective manager, therefore, possesses several traits. These include strong communication skills, good organizational skills, strong conflict management skills, good team-building skills, and good interpersonal skills. Other traits include the ability to delegate, match the right people to the right job, and plan and set goals (Webster, 2013). To be an effective manager, one must also be intelligent and possess sound business knowledge (Lussier, 2012, p.7).
4. How are nursing managers more effective?
The core functions of nursing leaders are making decisions, resolving conflicts, acting with integrity, and delegating appropriately. Evidence from research suggests that nurse managers are more effective in their roles if they are visionary, dynamic, visible, and solution-focused. Effective nurse managers are also those who create a positive work environment and develop the leadership skills of other nurses (Frankel, n. d.). Other traits that make nurse managers more effective are providing praise and recognition for work well done, demonstrating flexibility in work schedules, and consulting with staffs on important issues (Duffield et al., 2011).
References
Duffield, C. M., Roche, M. A., Blay, N., & Stasa, H. (2011). Nursing unit managers, staff retention, and the work environment. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20(1-2), 23-33.
Frankel, A. (n. d.). What leadership styles should senior nurses develop? Nursing Times, 104, 35, 23-24.
Kelly, P. & Tazbir, J. (2013). Essentials of nursing leadership and management. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.
Lussier, R. (2012). Management fundamentals: Concepts, applications, and skills development. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.
Santos, J.L.G., Pronchow, A. G., Silva, D. C., Casettari, S. S. R., Guerra, S. T., & Erdmann, A. L. (2012). Managerial communication in hospital nursing: Obstacles and how to overcome them. OBJN, 11(2).
Webster, L. C. (2013). Pharmacy practice for today’s pharmacy technician. Missouri: Mosby’s Inc.
