In the field of nursing education, let’s consider a potential case scenario involving an MSN-prepared nurse named Lisa

QUESTION

Describe a potential case scenario involving a MSN-prepared nurse in your selected area of practice. Within the scenario, identify a specific problem which needs to be addressed. Examples might include a new curriculum, change in the EHR, decreasing patient satisfaction rates, safety risks, or another situation which impacts your future MSN role. Discuss how Kotter’s Change Model would be applied in your recommended change initiative and its intended potential impact. Identify one specific leadership strategy to facilitate change, and describe how it is congruent with Kotter’s Change Model and may affect your future role.

ANSWER

In the field of nursing education, let’s consider a potential case scenario involving an MSN-prepared nurse named Lisa. Lisa works as a nursing educator in a university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Over the past few years, there has been a growing concern among faculty members and students about the outdated curriculum that fails to adequately address the evolving healthcare landscape, advancements in technology, and the changing needs of patients.

The Problem: The current nursing curriculum is not aligned with the latest evidence-based practices and lacks integration of critical concepts such as telehealth, population health, and interprofessional collaboration.

To address this issue, Lisa decides to utilize Kotter’s Change Model to implement a comprehensive change initiative aimed at updating the nursing curriculum to better prepare students for the challenges of modern healthcare. The Kotter’s Change Model involves an eight-step process that guides organizations through successful change implementation:

Create a Sense of Urgency: Lisa realizes the urgency of updating the curriculum to meet the changing demands of healthcare. She communicates this urgency to the faculty, highlighting the benefits of staying current and competitive.

Form a Powerful Coalition: Lisa assembles a team of dedicated faculty members, industry experts, and students who are passionate about curriculum reform. This coalition is vital to drive and support the change process.

Create a Vision for Change: The team collaborates to develop a clear vision for the updated curriculum. The vision emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practices, technology, and interdisciplinary skills to produce competent and well-rounded nurses.

Communicate the Vision: Lisa and her team communicate the vision to all stakeholders, including faculty, students, administrators, and clinical partners. They use various communication channels to ensure everyone is aware of the planned changes and their significance.

Remove Obstacles: Lisa identifies potential barriers to change, such as resistance from traditionalists and resource constraints. She works with the team to address these obstacles and create an environment conducive to change.

Create Short-Term Wins: Lisa introduces small, achievable changes in the curriculum to demonstrate progress. This could involve incorporating new case studies, simulation experiences, or guest speakers related to telehealth and population health.

Build on the Change: With the momentum building, Lisa continues to implement larger changes in the curriculum, including revamping entire courses to incorporate modern healthcare concepts.

Anchor the Changes: Lisa ensures that the changes become a permanent part of the nursing program by integrating them into the program’s culture, policies, and procedures.

Leadership Strategy: Lisa employs a transformational leadership strategy, which aligns with Kotter’s Change Model. Transformational leadership involves inspiring and motivating individuals to embrace change, fostering innovation, and empowering team members to take ownership of the change process. Lisa encourages open communication, collaboration, and a shared vision among the faculty and stakeholders. By fostering a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the updated curriculum, she is able to create a more receptive environment for change.

Impact: The change initiative, guided by Kotter’s Change Model and facilitated through transformational leadership, results in a modernized nursing curriculum that effectively prepares students for the challenges of the healthcare industry. Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to excel in various healthcare settings, ensuring better patient outcomes and addressing the dynamic needs of the healthcare system.

In my future role as an MSN-prepared nurse in nursing education, I would aim to lead similar change initiatives by applying Kotter’s Change Model and leveraging transformational leadership strategies. This approach aligns with the evolving landscape of healthcare and ensures that nursing education remains relevant and impactful in preparing the next generation of nurses.