Journal 7

This week, my preceptor and I had a one on one evaluation discussion session. It was sort of similar to my mid- semester self evaluation. The slight difference is that I had to select just three areas from the list of competencies and summarize my experiences.
We started off evaluating how this whole learning experience has helped improve in areas of leadership, interpersonal, and fiscal competencies. In the process, I had to relate these competencies giving examples on way to apply to professional development. Below is a summary of the my feedback
Leadership Competencies
As an effective leader
1. I would identify a vision and empower team members to achieve the vision. At the same time, emphasizing that the patients needs is the basis (priority) for health services.
2. Improve my ability to balance attention to people and to task- time is always a critical factor and as such, effective time management skill is necessary for successful leadership.
3. Additionally as part of effective time management, I would delegate task to employees that are capable of effectively performing the task. J.C acknowledged that group efficiency increases when task are assigned to the first level in the hierarchy where employees poses the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the task. In the process of delegation, I share responsibility and maintain final accountability for the safe, effective outcome of the task
4. Improve in my ability to make decision effectively. I have learnt that there are situations, when a leader must take a more participatory decision making/planning style to promote acceptance (for example my change project). One the other hand, there are instance where participatory decision making can be time consuming and as a result a unilateral, independent decision style is necessary.
Interpersonal Competencies
I n the course of improving my communication skills, I have learnt that it is especially critical to listen carefully, make underlying assumptions clear, avoid the use of professional jargons and to be culturally sensitive. Additionally as a good leader, I would apply initiatives (employee recognition, special bonuses for achievement, flexibility in scheduling and opportunity for staff development) that promote a motivating work place and employee satisfaction.
Fiscal Competencies
In the area of fiscal management, I have learnt how to develop a justifiable budget and monitor how actual spending compares with planned spending. I explained that as an effective leader, it is helpful to obtain staff input when developing a budget in order to make financial projections as realistic as possible. I have learnt how to analyze a variance report of a budget, determining the cause of the variation and how to use this to work on future budget to provide cost effective care.
In the end I believe the whole learning experience has improved my competency in nursing leadership and management skills to achieve organizational and professional goals for patient services and clinical outcomes.

Total clinical hour- 10hours