Assignment 2: Leadership and the Graduate Nursing Role The graduate nurse evidences leadership as seen in the four domains: the profession of nursing, clinical practice arena, health policy arena, and systems level. In order to complete this assignment, complete the short eighteen-question quiz (this takes approximately five minutes) about your leadership style at About.com Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from In a 3- to 5-page paper (excluding the title page, references and appendices), you will address the following criteria: Finish with a quotation from a library article related to leadership in an advanced nursing role. Look in some of the known leadership journals like or , or (found in the South University Online Library).
Answer
Leadership plays a crucial role in the graduate nursing profession, especially in the four domains: the profession of nursing, clinical practice arena, health policy arena, and systems level. To gain a deeper understanding of one’s leadership style, completing a short quiz on About.com Psychology about leadership style is recommended. This quiz will take approximately five minutes. In this paper, I will address the following criteria: the four domains of leadership in the graduate nursing role and the importance of leadership in each of these domains.
The first domain where leadership is evident in the graduate nursing role is the profession of nursing. In this domain, leadership is essential for advocating for the nursing profession and advancing the standards and practice of nursing. Graduate nurses can take on leadership roles by actively participating in professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), and engaging in professional development activities. By doing so, they contribute to the growth and enhancement of the nursing profession.
In the clinical practice arena, leadership is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care. Graduate nurses showcase leadership skills by taking on roles such as charge nurse, preceptor, or unit manager. These roles require strong leadership qualities, such as effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. As leaders in the clinical practice arena, graduate nurses ensure that patient care is delivered in a competent and compassionate manner.
Another domain where leadership is evident in the graduate nursing role is the health policy arena. In this domain, leaders advocate for policies that promote and protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Graduate nurses can participate in health policy development and implementation by engaging in activities such as lobbying for nursing-related legislation, serving on advisory boards, and contributing to policy research. By actively engaging in the health policy arena, graduate nurses have the potential to influence and shape the healthcare system.
The last domain where leadership is evident in the graduate nursing role is the systems level. In this domain, leaders work to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes on a larger scale. Graduate nurses can take on roles in healthcare administration, quality improvement, and research. These roles require leadership skills such as strategic planning, organizational management, and data analysis. By assuming leadership positions at the systems level, graduate nurses can drive positive change and improve the overall delivery of healthcare services.
Leadership in the graduate nursing role is of utmost importance as it contributes to the advancement of the nursing profession, ensures safe and effective patient care, influences health policies, and improves healthcare delivery at the systems level. Therefore, it is crucial for graduate nurses to develop and enhance their leadership skills throughout their careers.
To further explore the importance of leadership in an advanced nursing role, a quotation from a library article related to leadership is necessary. One relevant article is “The Role of Transformational Leadership in Nursing Practice” by Marit Kirkevold. Kirkevold (2010) emphasizes the significance of transformational leadership in nursing practice, stating, “Transformational leadership encourages nurses to become change agents, promoting growth, innovation, and improved patient outcomes” (p. 35). This article highlights how leadership in the nursing profession can inspire positive change and lead to improved patient outcomes.
In conclusion, leadership is an integral component of the graduate nursing role. It is evident in the four domains: the profession of nursing, clinical practice arena, health policy arena, and systems level. Leadership in these domains helps to advance the nursing profession, ensure safe and effective patient care, influence health policies, and improve healthcare delivery on a larger scale. Developing and enhancing leadership skills is crucial for graduate nurses to make a significant impact in their profession and contribute to positive change in healthcare.
