Introduction
The term leadership is understood variously in different spheres. While most people believe that leaders are those people at the top of management, others believe that everyone is a leader in his or her discipline. Several nurses picture leaders as people at the top of administrative structures. However, leadership is also predominant at the bottom of administrative structures. This article will explore the participation of nurses in policymaking and leadership.
Leadership styles
All leadership styles are essential in providing and coordinating care since leadership influences crowd activities. Healthcare systems entail many departments with various specialties. Diversity in the healthcare system requires the incorporation of each leadership style. For instance, the authoritarian style is essential in providing medication since most patients do not easily accept recommended medication. On the other hand, a democratic style of leadership is essential when handling colleagues and staff members. Moreover, a laissez-faire type of leadership is applied when a caregiver applies his or her creativity in providing caregiving. Laissez-faire promotes invention and innovation among staff members that provide and coordinate care. Additionally, supportive leadership is essential in influencing staff motivation and commitment (Marquis & Huston, 2012).
Essential skills of a good leader
Effective leadership is important in healthcare facilities as it motivates staff and it improves working conditions for healthcare staff. A good leader must have numerous skills that are informative, transformative, creative, and collaborative, among others. A good leader should be honest with everyone as it comes with trust. Moreover, he/she should possess the ability to delegate tasks efficiently. The leader should possess commitment in his field of work. The commitment of a leader brings about the motivation of other staff members. A good leader should show confidence in his work. Confidence ensures that the team keeps working. Additionally, the leader should be creative, inspiring, and motivating. These ingredients would help in uniting staff and creating new ventures for the institution.
Dementia
Dementia is common in people above 65 years of age. Dementia describes a collection of symptoms associated with brain disorders. In most cases, people with the disease have problems with thinking, personality, and hallucinations, among others. Memory loss is one of the main symptoms of dementia. Dementia affects brain tasks such as language or memory. Dementia is quite common in the United States than in developing countries. This happens because most Americans live longer than their counterparts do in developing countries. Moreover, the prevalence of dementia has increased as compared to the past. This increase could be due to increased psychological stress and sensory overload. Dementia can be misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed since it is not a specific condition.
A nurse in the policy and political arena
Traditionally, nurses were expected to stay away from policymaking and politics. However, current transformations in the health sector have necessitated the participation of nurses in politics and policymaking. Healthcare systems affect both social and economical aspects of nurses. This calls for nurses to participate in policymaking and politics to improve their working conditions. Nurses have their unions, which comprise people in the professions. The unions comprise leaders who participate in policymaking and politics for the benefit of nurses and patients in general. Therefore, nurses should play an important role in policymaking since it enables them to address the challenges they face in the field. Additionally, nurses should participate in politics since it determines the adopted policies (Al-Sawai, 2013).
Conclusion
Leadership skills are important in every sector of development. Nursing institutions require leaders who can organize their roles and duties amicably. Leaders should possess essential skills that promote the development of institutions.
Reference List
Al-Sawai, A. (2013). The leadership of Healthcare Professionals: Where do we stand? Oman Medical Journal, 28(4), 285-287.
Marquis, L., & Huston, J. (2012). Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and Application. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott.