Leadership traits in health care
Nursing professionals are exposed to various bodies and websites which help them keep track of the political changes in the institutions. The modern nursing profession is characterized by numerous political changes which are aimed at improving the health care sector. These changes are made law and breaching of such laws may lead to prosecution.
Formal and informal power and leadership
In nursing there are both the informal and formal forms of leadership. An informal leader is an individual with no executive power but with the ability to influence a team towards a certain goal. In formal leadership is all about personality; a personality that has the power of influence and leadership without a managerial post to show for it (Plunket, 2008). Formal leadership refers to the type of leadership created and prescribed by post and responsibility. In this leadership, an individual greatly rely on the managerial post to influence decision making processes in an organization. Examples o formal leaders are departmental heads, the managers and the governing body of an institution (Plunket, 2008).
Professional organization for political awareness
The main body used for this purpose is the American Nurses Association (ANA). This body enables the nurses to be well educated and informed on the political adjustments made in the profession. According to the ANA Annual Report (2011) the ANA represent more than three million nurses across the United States. This is evidence that the influence of this organization is very significant to the nursing profession. The vast support makes the organization very effective in its causes and responsibilities. The main cause and responsibility of this body is to ensure that its members are effectively updated on the political changes and adjustment affecting the profession. To be more effective in its operations, the body has a website and it holds meetings often. From these two avenues member are given updates and links to political changes. These tasks by the ANA are an example of how nurses can be educated more on political actions. These organizations are worldwide. They protect the welfare of the nurses that may be affected by political actions. In an argument by the ANA Annual Report (2011) indulging in organizations like the ANA is the best way in which nurses can use professional organizations to keep in track with political action.
Importance of Maintaining Political Awareness
Maintaining political awareness develops a good operating environment for the nurses. Patients are also exposed to better and safer environments. The ANA Annual Report (2011) points out that a nursing professional updated by political changes provides better services to the demanding professional than a professional which ignores the political adjustments. For instance, the ANA provides nurses with safety requirements for the practice, the medics and the patients. With such a trend the professional will reach a formidable level in the healthcare industry. Medical practitioners are exposed to what the law recommends as working conditions. This protects them from being exploited by institutions.
Conclusion
It is evident that the professional approach to political awareness is a practice that develops the health care sector. With more nurses being exposed to this approach, it is a predictable trend that medical practices and professions will be exposed to better working environments.
References
ANA 2010 Annual Report. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/AboutANA/2010-ANA-Annual-Report-.asp
Plunket, W. (2008). "Management: Meeting and Exceeding Customer Expectations". New York: Cengage Publishers
