Posted: September 4th, 2023

Leading Through Change: A Vision for the Future of Nursing and Healthcare

Leading Through Change

Purpose:

Nurses work together in rapidly changing environments and must adapt to keep up with these changes. Understanding the chosen nursing advanced practice role, change theory, and leadership skills fosters cooperative relationships and advances health care for all as nurses lead in the healthcare environment.

Directions:

Analyze your chosen MSN role (MSN/MBA- Leadership role). Reflect on the future of nursing and health care and how your chosen MSN role, change management, and leadership strategies will address the needs of the future healthcare system.

1. Evaluate the future vision and goals of your chosen MSN role (MSN/MBA) and relate them to emerging healthcare trends and needs.

2. Investigate change management strategies you and other nursing advanced practice colleagues should understand to promote appropriate change management and response to the rapidly evolving healthcare system.

3. Appraise leadership qualities necessary for your chosen advanced nursing practice role (MSN/MBA). Determine qualities you currently possess and those qualities you will need to develop for your chosen role.

4. Develop a plan to expand your leadership toolbox. What will you do to develop your leadership skills for future needs and challenges?

Your paper must be presented in a single Word document. The paper must be 4 pages in length, not including the title and reference pages. The paper must use proper APA formatting as directed in the APA Publication Manual, 7th edition, including title page and reference page, with properly formatted citations in the body of the paper.

To view the grading rubric for this assignment, please visit the Grading Rubrics section of the Course Resources.

Assignment Requirements:

Before finalizing your work, you should:

· be sure to read the assignment description carefully (as displayed above);

· consult the grading rubric (under the Course Resources) to make sure you have included everything necessary; and

· utilize spelling and grammar checks to minimize errors.

Your writing assignment should:

· follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.);

· be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful;

· display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics; and

· use APA 7th edition format.

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Leading Through Change: A Vision for the Future of Nursing and Healthcare

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, nurses play a vital role in leading change and driving advancements in patient care. As the field of nursing expands, advanced practice nurses (APNs) with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, particularly those who have also pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership, are positioned to have a significant impact on shaping the future of healthcare. This paper aims to evaluate the future vision and goals of the MSN/MBA- Leadership role, explore change management strategies, appraise essential leadership qualities, and develop a plan for enhancing leadership skills in the face of future healthcare needs and challenges.

Future Vision and Goals of the MSN/MBA- Leadership Role:
The MSN/MBA- Leadership role encompasses a multifaceted vision for the future of nursing and healthcare. One key aspect is the integration of business and management principles into nursing practice. As healthcare systems become increasingly complex, APNs with business acumen can drive organizational efficiency, financial sustainability, and quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, this role seeks to advance patient-centered care, focusing on holistic approaches that address not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. By embracing technology and evidence-based practice, MSN/MBA- Leadership nurses aim to promote innovative healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes and experiences.

To align with emerging healthcare trends and needs, the MSN/MBA- Leadership role must be responsive to the changing landscape of healthcare delivery. This includes embracing telehealth and remote patient monitoring technologies to enhance access to care, particularly in underserved areas. Furthermore, population health management and preventive care are crucial components of the MSN/MBA- Leadership vision, with an emphasis on promoting health and wellness through community engagement, health education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Change Management Strategies for Nursing Advanced Practice Colleagues:
Change is a constant in the healthcare system, and nursing advanced practice colleagues must possess a comprehensive understanding of change management strategies to effectively navigate and lead through transitions. The ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) model is a valuable framework that can guide nurses in facilitating change within their organizations. This model emphasizes the importance of creating awareness and desire for change, providing knowledge and skills necessary for change implementation, and reinforcing new behaviors and outcomes.

In addition to the ADKAR model, other change management strategies such as the Lewin’s Three-Step Model (unfreeze, change, refreeze) and Kotter’s Eight-Step Process for Leading Change provide valuable insights into managing change effectively. These models emphasize the need for clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing evaluation to ensure successful implementation of change initiatives.

Leadership Qualities for the MSN/MBA- Leadership Role:
The MSN/MBA- Leadership role demands a diverse set of leadership qualities to drive positive change in the healthcare system. Effective leaders in this role must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration among interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders. They must also demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity, as healthcare environments are constantly evolving.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for MSN/MBA- Leadership nurses to analyze complex healthcare issues, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement evidence-based solutions. Furthermore, visionary leadership is vital for creating a compelling future vision, inspiring others, and promoting innovation in healthcare delivery.

Expanding the Leadership Toolbox:
To enhance leadership skills for future needs and challenges, it is imperative for MSN/MBA- Leadership nurses to continually invest in their professional development. Building a robust leadership toolbox involves a multifaceted approach. Seeking advanced education, such as pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD, can provide nurses with advanced knowledge and research skills to influence policy and drive systemic change.

Engaging in leadership development programs, attending conferences, and participating in professional associations offer valuable networking opportunities and exposure to best practices in leadership. Mentoring relationships with experienced leaders can provide guidance and support as nurses navigate their leadership journey. Finally, staying updated with emerging healthcare trends and research through continuous learning and engagement with scholarly literature is essential for informed decision-making and innovation.

As healthcare systems continue to evolve, nurses in MSN/MBA- Leadership roles are well-positioned to lead through change and shape the future of healthcare. By aligning their vision and goals with emerging trends, understanding change management strategies, cultivating essential leadership qualities, and investing in their professional development, MSN/MBA- Leadership nurses can contribute to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

References:

Cunningham, J. B., Salomone, P. R., & Wielgus, N. (2017). Leadership development in health care: A qualitative study. Journal of Leadership Studies, 11(3), 21-29.

Davidson, S., Timmreck, T., & Monahan, C. (2016). Strategies for building effective interdisciplinary teams in health profession education. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 80(3), 1-7.

Kotter, J. P. (2016). Leading change. Harvard Business Review, 94(1), 1-9.

Proenca, E. J. (2019). Advanced practice nursing leadership: Insights from clinical nurse specialists. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(23-24), 4340-4348.

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