The purpose of this assignment is to interview a nurse leader within a healthcare organization to
discuss the complex and unique challenges faced by nurse leaders today. During the interview, you will explore various leadership and management principles employed by the nurse leader, as well as the concepts, skills, and decision-making requirements needed to provide high-quality nursing leadership.
Assignment Instructions:
Identify an RN nurse leader/manager within a healthcare organization serving as an immediate supervisor to nursing staff who would be willing to be interviewed regarding his/her experience. Arrange a meeting time with an interviewee (the interview may be in person, virtual, or over the phone). Note: If you are currently in a nurse leader position (manager, director, coordinator), you must interview another leader equal to or higher than your current role.
Research the organizational structure within which the interviewee works. Use these prompts to guide your research:
Where does your interviewee fit in the organizational structure or leadership hierarchy (does the reporting structure fall within or outside of nursing)?
What services are provided (outpatient clinic, inpatient services, etc.)?
Is the organization a community hospital, research institution, or private practice?
How many patients are served by the unit and organization annually?
Prepare a list of questions and conduct an interview with the nurse leader exploring the following topics:
Leadership pathway: academic and professional background.
Leadership and management styles are most often used in daily operations.
Decision-making and shared governance approaches.
The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Common legal or ethical considerations faced by the leader.
Role of the nurse leader in strategic planning at the unit and organizational level.
Role of the nurse leader in the promotion of a healthy work environment.
Clinical or administrative challenges or issues faced by the leader in their area of work.
In APA format, write a 3-4 page paper summarizing what you learned from your interviewee. The title page, references page, and appendix A do not count towards the 3-4-page total. Include Appendix A: Attach the list of interview questions on a separate page (after the references section per APA guidelines). Although outside sources are not necessary, you must provide an APA formatted in-text citation for the personal communication (interview).
Send a follow-up email that briefly thanks the interviewee for his/her time and willingness to be interviewed.
The email must be written in a professional manner, including your full contact information (address, phone, and e-mail). Remove personal identifiers and upload the email as a second attachment in the assignment drop box.
Assignment Specifications: Below is a summary of the sections to include in your assignment submission:
Introduction: Summarize the academic and professional background (degrees, certifications, credentials, title/position, etc.) of your interviewee (names of the interviewee should not be included). Include a summary of the characteristics of the organization within which they work.
Interview Content: Provide a detailed summary of the information the interviewee shared regarding the topics outlined above. Include a descriiption of the type of leadership the interviewee exhibits with a rationale for your choice.
Reflection: Provide a brief and concise reflection on at least two key takeaways from the interview. Reflect on how the interviewee’s responses may impact your practice as a leader. Summarize and reflect on your experience with the entire interview process. Note: Formal voice is not expected in this reflection component, and it is permissible to use personal pronouns (e.g., I or me) in your submission.
Appendix A: Attach the list of interview questions (after the references section on a separate page). Submit all in one upload.