You have recently started a position as a department director with five managers reporting to you. Earlier today, one of your managers reports that a client expired on her unit. She suspects that a factor that may have contributed to the client’s demise may be related to the actions of a nurse on her unit. This nurse has several notes in her personnel file that reflect potential client abuse. You and the nurse manager both have concerns that this sentinel event must be investigated.
Later in the day, the Chief Nursing Officer asks you to speak to new nurse managers to share attributes of leadership with the plan of enhancing their leadership skills. You see an opportunity to combine the situation of the client with a bad outcome, due to the alleged influence of one of the nurses, while building information to share this real-life situation with new nurse leaders.
Instructions
As a follow up to the investigation of the client’s unexpected death, generate an internal memo to your managers to reflect leadership and management attributes and include steps taken to investigate this unfortunate situation. As you create this memo, keep in mind that you should include:
At least five leadership and/or management attributes for nurse leaders, as well as how they can improve client outcomes.
Steps you would take to ensure the collection of data regarding this incident.
Describe how transformational leadership style may influence the process of investigating this professional nurse colleague that reports to one of your unit managers.
Full Answer Section
- Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrating empathy and compassion for those affected by a sentinel event is crucial. It shows that you care about the well-being of patients and staff, and it can help to build morale and trust.
- Strong Decision-Making Skills: Effective leaders must be able to make difficult decisions quickly and decisively, particularly in crisis situations. In the case of a sentinel event, it is important to make decisions that prioritize patient safety and ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken.
- Team Building and Collaboration: Building a strong and cohesive team is essential for effective leadership. By fostering teamwork and collaboration, leaders can create a positive work environment and ensure that all staff members are working towards a common goal.
- Continuous Learning and Improvement: Effective leaders are committed to continuous learning and improvement. They seek out opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge, and they are always looking for ways to improve patient care.
Steps to Investigate the Sentinel Event
To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, I will take the following steps:
- Form an Investigation Team: Assemble a team of qualified individuals, including nurses, physicians, and risk management experts, to conduct the investigation.
- Collect Data: Gather all relevant information, including medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Interview Witnesses: Conduct interviews with staff members, patients, and family members who may have relevant information.
- Review Policies and Procedures: Assess whether any policies or procedures were violated.
- Identify Root Causes: Determine the underlying causes of the incident and develop corrective action plans.
Transformational Leadership and Investigation
A transformational leadership style can be particularly effective in guiding an investigation into a sentinel event. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams to achieve a common goal. By creating a vision for a safer and more patient-centered organization, transformational leaders can encourage staff members to be committed to improving patient care and preventing future incidents.
By focusing on these leadership attributes and following a systematic investigation process, we can learn from this unfortunate event and take steps to improve patient safety and quality of care.
Sincerely, [Your Name] Department Director
Sample Answer
Dear Managers,
I am writing to share some important leadership attributes that can significantly improve client outcomes, particularly in the context of investigating sentinel events. As we recently experienced with the unfortunate passing of a patient on [Manager's Name]'s unit, it is crucial that we approach such situations with compassion, transparency, and a commitment to improving patient safety.
Leadership Attributes and Their Impact on Client Outcomes
- Transparency and Open Communication: Being open and transparent with staff, patients, and families builds trust and fosters a culture of accountability. In the case of a sentinel event, it is essential to communicate openly and honestly about the incident, the investigation process, and any corrective actions that will be taken.