Using the RNAO (2014) document, Point-Of-Care Leadership: Tips and Tools for Nurses that describes leadership behaviors expected from all nurses answer the following questions.

Link file:///C:/Users/16477/Downloads/RNAO%20Point%20of%20care%20leadership%20(1).pdf

1. Describe how you feel about your current leadership behaviours in comparison to what the RNAO document describes.
2. Consider behaviors outlined in each of the five practices and identify one (1) out of 5 practice areas you excel in.
3. Discuss how excelling in this area can be an asset to your nursing practice.
4. Consider behaviors outlined in each of the five practices and identify one (1) out of 5 practice areas that you would like to develop further.      
5. Reflect on and discuss in depth one (1) example of how this can be a barrier to your nursing practice.
6. Use 1 scholarly nursing article to explain how this area is important for nursing leadership.

How are you going to use the information from this article to make a difference in your practice?

1. Develop one (1) SMART goal that would most facilitate your future practice as a leader in nursing. (You may choose to further build on your strength OR to focus on leadership behaviors you identified as needing improvement)

ANSWER

Assessment of Leadership Behaviors

1. Self-Reflection: Reflect on your current leadership behaviors in comparison to the RNAO document’s descriptions. Consider the five practice areas outlined in the document.

2. Identify Strength: Identify one practice area where you excel. For instance, it could be effective communication, collaboration, or advocating for patient rights.

3. Discuss Strength’s Value: Discuss how excelling in this area can be an asset to your nursing practice. Explain how it positively impacts patient care, teamwork, or overall healthcare outcomes.

4. Identify Area for Improvement: Identify one practice area that you would like to develop further. This could be an area where you believe you need more growth or where you face challenges.

5. Discuss Barriers: Reflect on and discuss in-depth one example of how this area can be a barrier to your nursing practice. Explain how your current limitations or challenges impact your role as a nurse.

6. Scholarly Article: Find a scholarly nursing article that emphasizes the importance of the area you want to improve in nursing leadership.

7. Use of Information: Explain how you plan to use the information from this article to make a difference in your practice.

SMART Goal Development

8. Develop a SMART Goal: Create a SMART goal that would facilitate your future practice as a leader in nursing. The SMART criteria stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s a template for developing your goal:

Specific: Clearly state what you want to achieve and why it is important.
Measurable: Define how you will measure your progress and success.
Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic and attainable given your resources and constraints.
Relevant: Align the goal with your desired leadership improvement area and the broader goals of your nursing practice.
Time-bound: Set a specific timeframe for achieving the goal.

Example SMART Goal: “Within the next six months, I will enhance my leadership skills in effective communication by completing a communication skills workshop and applying these skills during daily patient interactions. I will measure my progress by receiving feedback from colleagues and patients and aim to improve patient satisfaction scores in our unit by 10%.”

By following these steps, you can thoroughly assess your leadership behaviors, focus on areas of improvement, and develop a SMART goal that will guide your growth as a nursing leader. Remember that continuous self-assessment and improvement are essential for effective leadership in healthcare.