Nursing Leadership: Interview Results and Commentary
Whether to meet continuing education requirements, obtain a better position, or to satisfy a personal desire to improve in the profession, registered nurses (RNs) are committed to searching for and taking advantage of opportunities for professional development (Career advancementà, 2004). Indeed, as a profession, nursing is generally regarded as extremely focused on the pursuit of lifelong education and professional development as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of patient care provided by members of the profession and to advance the profession itself. Consequently, there is a distinct linkage between professional mobility and educational achievement (International Council of Nurses, 2005).
The American Nurses' Association (ANA) is committed to programs fostering ongoing, lifelong learning for nurses as an integral element in career advancement, as are specialty organizations representing nurses in such diverse fields as occupational medicine, neonatal nursing, and medical-surgical nursing (Career advancementà, 2004). Nurses aspiring to leadership positions, said Weiss (20040, are especially focused on continually improving their skills, knowledge and credentials in order to advance carers and improve the quality of care delivered to patients.
The purpose of this brief essay is to report on results of an interview conducted by the writer with "Misty," a Registered Nurse (RN) whose career path began in a community college and a stint in the U.S. Military where she received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), followed by completion of the RN degree program and licensure at Cochise College. Misty offered insight into a number of key issues regarding the professional practice of nursing care and, as significantly, the importance of teamwork and collegiality among healthcare professionals û a leadership characteristic identified by Hall, Waddell, ...