Choose five positive characteristics that need improvement in professional behavior and practice.

QUESTION

Choose five positive characteristics that need improvement in professional behavior and practice.

Use leadership nursing theory and change theory discuss how the characteristics develop?

How do you intend to maximize the positive characteristics and what do you intend to do with those that need improvement.

Include long and short term plans to re-assess the characteristics and the effectiveness of using them?

Describe how will the reflective assignment assist with assess behavior in your colleagues.

ANSWER

Enhancing Professional Behavior and Practice: A Journey of Growth and Transformation

Introduction

In the healthcare industry, professional behavior and practice play a vital role in ensuring optimal patient care and fostering a positive work environment. However, like any other aspect of human behavior, there is always room for improvement. In this essay, we will explore five positive characteristics that can be enhanced in professional behavior and practice, and discuss how leadership nursing theory and change theory can contribute to their development. Furthermore, we will outline strategies to maximize these positive characteristics while addressing those in need of improvement, along with long and short-term plans to reassess their effectiveness. Finally, we will explore how reflective assignments can assist in assessing and improving the behavior of colleagues, promoting a culture of continuous growth and self-reflection.

Positive Characteristics for Improvement

Communication Skills: Effective communication is fundamental to nursing practice. It involves active listening, clear articulation, and empathetic engagement with patients and colleagues. By developing strong communication skills, nurses can foster trust, improve patient outcomes, and enhance collaboration within healthcare teams.

Empathy and Compassion: Empathy and compassion lie at the core of patient-centered care. Nurses who possess these qualities are better equipped to understand the needs and emotions of their patients, promoting a supportive healing environment. Empathy can be cultivated through self-reflection, sensitivity training, and engaging in perspective-taking exercises.

Adaptability: In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, adaptability is crucial. Nurses who are open to change, flexible in their approach, and embrace new technologies and practices can provide high-quality care while effectively managing unexpected situations (Lyng et al., 2021). Encouraging a culture of lifelong learning and continuous professional development can foster adaptability among nurses.

Collaborative Skills: Healthcare is a team-based endeavor, and nurses must possess strong collaborative skills to effectively work alongside other healthcare professionals. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, nurses can contribute to improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and enhanced job satisfaction among team members.

Ethical Decision-Making: Nurses often encounter complex ethical dilemmas that require critical thinking and moral courage. By incorporating ethical principles into their decision-making processes, nurses can ensure the provision of ethical and patient-centered care. Engaging in ethical discussions, seeking mentorship, and participating in ongoing ethics education can aid in the development of ethical decision-making skills.

Development through Leadership Nursing Theory and Change Theory

Leadership nursing theory emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in nursing practice. Transformational leadership, in particular, can promote the growth of positive characteristics by inspiring and motivating nurses to reach their full potential (Doody & Doody, 2012). Transformational leaders serve as role models, facilitate communication, encourage collaboration, and empower their team members to innovate and embrace change.

Change theory, on the other hand, provides a framework for understanding and implementing successful change within healthcare organizations. By applying change theory principles, such as creating a sense of urgency, involving stakeholders, providing support and resources, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, nurses can facilitate the development and integration of positive characteristics into their professional practice.

Maximizing Positive Characteristics and Addressing Areas for Improvement

To maximize positive characteristics, nurses can engage in various strategies

Continuous Education and Training: Engage in ongoing education and training programs that focus on communication skills, empathy, adaptability, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. This may include workshops, seminars, online courses, and certifications.

Mentoring and Coaching: Seek out mentors or coaches who can provide guidance, support, and feedback on professional behavior and practice. Mentors can offer valuable insights and serve as role models for desired characteristics.

Self-Reflection and Journaling: Engage in regular self-reflection and journaling to assess strengths and areas for improvement. This process allows for introspection, identification of growth opportunities, and the development of action plans.

Peer Support and Feedback: Participate in peer support groups or establish a culture of feedback within the workplace. Colleagues can provide constructive criticism, share experiences, and offer support, creating an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

Regular Performance Evaluations: Incorporate regular performance evaluations, both self-assessments and assessments conducted by supervisors, to track progress, identify areas needing improvement, and provide opportunities for professional development.

Reassessing Characteristics and Evaluating Effectiveness

To reassess the characteristics and evaluate their effectiveness, both short and long-term plans can be implemented:

Short-term

Conduct regular self-assessments to monitor personal progress and identify areas that still need improvement.

Seek feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and patients to gain different perspectives on the effectiveness of the characteristics.

Reflect on specific instances where the positive characteristics were applied and assess their impact on patient care and professional relationships.

Long-term

Utilize data-driven metrics, such as patient satisfaction scores and team collaboration measures, to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the enhanced characteristics.

Incorporate the assessment of positive characteristics into performance evaluations and professional development plans.

Continuously update and refine educational programs and training modules based on feedback and evaluation results.

Reflective Assignments and Assessing Colleague Behavior

Reflective assignments serve as valuable tools for assessing and improving colleague behavior. By engaging in self-reflection and self-evaluation, colleagues can identify areas for growth and create action plans for improvement (Koshy et al., 2017). Furthermore, sharing reflective assignments within a supportive environment can foster constructive dialogue, encourage peer feedback, and promote a culture of continuous learning and development. Reflective assignments also provide an opportunity to celebrate successes, acknowledge areas of improvement, and inspire others through personal narratives of growth and transformation.

Conclusion

Enhancing professional behavior and practice requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses leadership nursing theory, change theory, and individual commitment to growth. By cultivating positive characteristics such as communication skills, empathy, adaptability, collaborative skills, and ethical decision-making, nurses can provide exceptional patient care while fostering a supportive work environment. Maximizing these characteristics and addressing areas for improvement through education, mentorship, self-reflection, peer support, and regular assessments can contribute to long-term growth and transformation. Reflective assignments offer a valuable tool for assessing behavior in colleagues and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes and professional fulfillment.

References

Doody, O., & Doody, C. M. (2012). Transformational leadership in nursing practice. British Journal of Nursing, 21(20), 1212–1218. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2012.21.20.1212 

Koshy, K., Limb, C., Gundogan, B., Whitehurst, K., & Jafree, D. J. (2017). Reflective practice in health care and how to reflect effectively. International Journal of Surgery, 2(6), 20. https://doi.org/10.1097/ij9.0000000000000020 

Lyng, H. B., Macrae, C., Guise, V., Haraldseid-Driftland, C., Fagerdal, B., Schibevaag, L., Alsvik, J. G., & Wiig, S. (2021). Balancing adaptation and innovation for resilience in healthcare – a metasynthesis of narratives. BMC Health Services Research, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06592-0