Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, and their involvement in leadership positions is essential for improving the overall quality of patient care. By participating in leadership roles, nurses can address their own grievances and needs, as well as contribute to the improvement of the system processes in healthcare (Mainey, O’Mullan, Reid‐Searl, Taylor, & Baird, 2020). This paper aims to explore the potential changes that can be made within the nursing healthcare system to enhance patient-centered care and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
Firstly, it is important to create a strong nursing representation that is part of the hospital executive committee. This will empower nurses at all levels of the hospital and enable them to have a voice in decision-making processes. By having nurses involved in leadership positions, their perspectives and insights can be taken into account when making important decisions that impact the system processes in healthcare. Nurses, as frontline providers, have valuable knowledge and firsthand experience in patient care and can offer unique perspectives that may not be considered by other healthcare professionals. This representation will ensure that nurses’ grievances and needs are addressed promptly, leading to greater job satisfaction and a more effective healthcare system.
In addition to representation, it is crucial to create a coordinated environment within the healthcare facility. This can be achieved by instilling a culture of teamwork among the nursing staff. A coordinated environment ensures that there is clear communication, collaboration, and shared responsibility among nurses, leading to a smoother and more efficient healthcare delivery process. By reducing work ambiguity and avoiding time wastage, nurses can focus on providing high-quality care and achieving better patient outcomes. This coordinated approach fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among the nursing staff, ultimately benefiting patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
Furthermore, nurses should be actively engaged in matters and changes that may directly impact hospital efficiency, quality, and pay. By offering nurses a platform to give their suggestions and voice their concerns, healthcare organizations can tap into their expertise and insights. Nurses are on the frontlines of patient care and are well-positioned to identify areas for improvement and propose innovative solutions. Actively involving nurses in decision-making processes not only increases their job satisfaction but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. This engagement will result in better alignment between management decisions and frontline realities, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes.
To successfully implement and execute these changes, several resources will be required. Firstly, educational programs or training on leadership and management principles should be provided to nurses who are interested in assuming leadership roles. This additional education will equip nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively participate in leadership positions and contribute to system processes in healthcare. Additionally, resources such as staff development programs, workshops, and mentoring opportunities can be implemented to support nurses in their leadership journey. These resources will help to foster a culture of leadership development within the nursing profession and ensure a pipeline of qualified nurse leaders.
In conclusion, involving nurses in leadership positions and empowering them to contribute to system processes in healthcare is crucial for improving patient-centered care. By creating a strong nursing representation, fostering a coordinated environment, and actively engaging nurses in decision-making processes, healthcare organizations can enhance the overall quality of care and achieve better healthcare outcomes. However, the successful implementation of these changes requires resources such as educational programs, staff development initiatives, and mentoring opportunities. By investing in nursing leadership and providing the necessary resources, healthcare organizations can create a more effective and patient-centered healthcare system.