You are interviewing for an assistant nurse manager position with the nurse manager of your unit. She asks you to answer the following questions:
Explain a time you had to take charge, formally or informally, on your clinical unit (be specific).
Describe the management style you used and the type of power you had.
Discuss whether your management style was effective and what you would have done differently.
Would you use a different management style in the future in the same situation? If so, which one and why?
Which management style would you choose to use going forward, and why
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During my time on the clinical unit, there was an incident where a patient experienced a sudden deterioration in their condition. The primary nurse was preoccupied with another patient, so I had to step in and take charge to ensure prompt and appropriate care for the patient in distress.
To effectively manage the situation, I adopted a democratic management style. I encouraged the input and collaboration of the entire healthcare team, including the primary nurse, other nurses, and support staff. I distributed tasks based on each individual's expertise and availability. This allowed for shared decision-making and promoted a sense of ownership and responsibility among the team members.
Overall, I believe my management style was effective in facilitating quick and coordinated patient care. The democratic approach enabled open communication and leveraged the knowledge and skills of the team members. However, in retrospect, I would have ensured better communication with the primary nurse to ensure that they were fully updated and on board with the plan of care.
In the future, if faced with a similar situation, I might choose to apply a more transformational management style. This style focuses on inspiring and motivating team members to reach their full potential and achieve collective goals. By encouraging innovation, fostering a positive work environment, and setting a clear vision, I believe a transformational management approach can lead to greater engagement and better overall outcomes.
Going forward, I would choose a combination of transformational and situational management styles. I would adapt my approach based on the specific needs and dynamics of the team and the situation at hand. This flexibility will allow me to tailor my management style to optimize team performance and promote a positive and efficient work environment.