As the healthcare industry continues to change, nursing leaders will need special preparation to manage strong teams. These teams must work efficiently and meet the dynamic challenges of the new norm in healthcare. A strong team directly affects patient care and ultimately patient outcomes in the hospital. However, building strong teams can often present unique challenges, especially for novice leaders. So, how can nursing leaders build stronger teams?
- Be a part of the team — Hands-off leaders or dictators never succeed in the hospital environment. To be an effective nursing leader, you must be a part of the team. A true leader inspires and encourages his or her team while overcoming challenges as a group.
- Set clear expectations and common goals — A team that shares common goals and clear expectations works much more effectively than a team without a set direction. When nurse leaders establish expectations early, their teams know exactly how they should perform.
- Hold the team accountable — As part of the process of setting goals and expectations, nursing leaders should hold the team accountable for the roles they have been assigned. When building strong teams, accountability demonstrates that, for the good of the team, the leadership will not tolerate lackluster performances. This establishes an environment of excellence rather than inconsistency.
- Establish feedback systems — As team members hone their roles, they often recognize areas for improvements. Nurses in leadership positions should establish mechanisms for feedback — both positive and negative. The feedback system should go both ways — from leader to team and vice versa. Part of building strong nursing teams is recognizing excellent work and meeting goals. When members of the team feel recognized, the team benefits, so nursing leaders should make it a point to give positive feedback when the team’s efforts warrant it.
- Mentor team members — Effective nursing leaders recognize that good teams spawn other good teams. When building strong teams, new leaders will often emerge. Secure and confident nurse leaders will quickly recognize the other team members who demonstrate leadership characteristics. Nursing leaders should seize the opportunity to mentor these other team members as they become informal leaders, as this is truly the sign of a professional.
Increasingly, nurses are facing the challenges to lead teams and fill gaps in patient care. As these challenges increase, so do the opportunities for emerging nursing leaders. These leaders can develop their skill sets in a variety of ways, including online RN to MSN programs that focus on key areas such as nursing education and nursing administration.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online RN to MSN program.
