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Function as a Change Agent and Leader
NLN Competency V: Function as a Change Agent and Leader
When I think of a nurse educator as a leader I first think of being a positive role model for students in regards to the nursing profession and also encouraging them to be active participants in creating change at their future workplaces. I envision nurse educators acting as leaders by encouraging their students to continue learning to improve nursing as a whole. Clinical educators are leaders in many ways, including being a role model. Clinical educators help students to identify the nurse’s role, learn how to communicate effectively with other staff, and aid in critical thinking (Adelman-Mullally et al., 2013).
In my current role as a NICU nurse, I feel that I am a leader through being a role model to students, new nurses, and even experienced nurses. I practice effective and appropriate communication techniques with other staff members and aid new nurses in their critical thinking. Being a role model is definitely part of being a leader, but there is much more that constitutes a leader as well. Halstead (2007) mentions designing new curriculum and educational experiences, forming interprofessional relationships, and implementing organizational change. I agree that all of these are part of being a leader.
One way I hope to be a leader and change agent is by participating in interdisciplinary efforts to address health care and educational needs (Halstead, 2007). Being an active voice on a committee that involves the entire health sciences department or even the entire institution is a great way to be a leader. It is important to look outside of the nursing concentration and view things as a whole. This could mean to create a strong relationship with other departments, revise the current curriculum to incorporate educational and technological advancements, or to demonstrate to students what it is to be ethically and culturally sensitive.
I also hope to promote innovative practices in educational environments (Halstead, 2007). New technology is constantly being developed and I want to stay current on practices that can be used in education and, where appropriate, incorporate them into my classroom. I can increase my knowledge through researching articles on new technology as well as attending conferences that specifically address new learning techniques or technologies. The future of nursing education excites me and I hope to be a leader in bringing about changes that will enhance learning.
References
Adelman-Mullally, T., Mulder, C. K., McCarter-Spalding, D. E., Hagler, D. A., Gaberson, K. B., Hanner, M. B., . . . Young, P. K. (2013). The clinical nurse educator as leader. Nurse Education in Practice, 13(1), 29-34. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org.hal.weber.edu:2200/10.1016/j.nepr.2012.07.006
Halstead, J. A. (2007). Nurse Educator Competencies: Creating Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Educators. National League of Nursing, New York, NY.
