As a newly minted nurse practitioner, the concept of authentic leadership may seem straightforward: be true to yourself, act in accordance with your values, and maintain consistency between your thoughts, words, and actions. However, a simplistic understanding of authentic leadership can actually hinder your growth and limit your impact in your new role.
Authentic leadership is a journey of self-discovery and continuous learning. It involves not only staying true to your core values but also adapting to new challenges and responsibilities. As you take charge in an unfamiliar role, you may find yourself in situations that test your beliefs and require you to make difficult decisions. In these moments, it's crucial to rely on your values as a compass while remaining open to learning and growth.
One aspect of authentic leadership that new nurse practitioners often struggle with is selling themselves. You may feel uncomfortable promoting your skills and accomplishments, but it's essential to communicate your value to patients, colleagues, and employers. This doesn't mean boasting or exaggerating your abilities; rather, it involves highlighting your unique strengths and contributions with confidence and humility.
Another challenge is processing negative feedback. As a new practitioner, you're bound to make mistakes or encounter criticism from others. Authentic leaders view these experiences as opportunities for growth rather than personal attacks. They seek to understand the perspective of others, take responsibility for their actions, and use feedback to improve their practice.
Maintaining a playful frame of mind is also key to authentic leadership. Healthcare can be a serious and stressful field, but approaching challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a sense of humor can help you stay resilient and engaged. Don't be afraid to bring your unique personality and passions to your work, as this can help you connect with patients and colleagues on a deeper level.
Finally, authentic leadership involves learning from diverse role models. Seek out mentors and colleagues who embody the qualities you admire, even if their leadership style differs from your own. By observing and learning from others, you can expand your repertoire of skills and approaches while staying true to your core values.
Avoid sticking with our personal narrative which can limit and outdate us. The story that resonates with our patient is the only one that matters. Presenting ourselves in the most favorable light to our patients yet setting goals for learning so we don't develop imposter syndrome is important. Learning goals are different from performance goals. As a nurse practitioner, it's essential to set both performance and learning goals to ensure continuous growth and development in your practice. Here are some examples of each:
Performance Goals:
Increase patient satisfaction scores by 10% within the next 6 months by focusing on effective communication and empathy.
Improve documentation accuracy and completeness to 95%
within 3 months to ensure better patient care and reduce legal risks.
Learning Goals:
Complete a certification course in a specialty area (e.g.,
diabetes management, wound care,) within the next 12 months to expand your
knowledge and skills.
Attend at least 2 professional conferences or workshops per
year to stay current with the latest research, guidelines, and best practices
Participate in a leadership development program within the
next 18 months to enhance your management and communication skills as a
healthcare provider.
Remember, these are just examples, and your specific goals
should be tailored to your individual needs, interests, and practice setting.
Regularly review and adjust your goals as you progress in your career to ensure
that you're always striving for growth and improvement as a nurse practitioner.
Authentic leadership is a complex and ongoing process that requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to growth. As a new nurse practitioner, embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with your role, and trust in your ability to make a positive impact on the lives of your patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
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