NR 703 Week 5 Leading Practice Change Projects
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-703: Applied Organizational & Leadership Concepts
Prof. Name
Date
Leading Practice Change Projects
The aim of this paper is to present a leadership framework designed to address patient falls in the geriatric unit of my healthcare facility. The discussion emphasizes the significance of interprofessional collaboration, effective communication comportment, and ethical leadership. These elements are critical in driving successful change projects in healthcare, ensuring both patient safety and positive team dynamics.
Interprofessional Collaboration in Leading Project Teams
Mutual respect forms the cornerstone of effective collaboration in healthcare teams. Sims, Hewitt, and Harris (2015) emphasized that respect builds ethical and professional behavior, promoting trust and productivity. Conversely, the absence of mutual respect often leads to conflict, unethical practices, and poor communication, which hinder team effectiveness.
To encourage mutual respect, I will create an environment where team members value each other’s unique contributions while embracing diversity. Celebrating differences while focusing on common goals allows teams to operate harmoniously. A zero-tolerance approach to disrespect, including bullying or harassment, will be established. By modeling professional behavior and respect, I can influence others to adopt similar standards.
Goldsberry (2018) highlighted that interprofessional teams function best when objectives are clear and aligned with the strengths of each member. This requires leaders to first identify the project’s goals, then assess team members’ skills to assign roles strategically. By aligning tasks with individual strengths, leaders can ensure efficiency while minimizing the impact of weaknesses. Regular feedback channels will remain open, encouraging continuous improvement and promoting flexible team functioning.
Table 1
Strategies to Promote Interprofessional Collaboration
| Strategy | Description | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Encourage mutual respect | Recognize diversity and value contributions | Stronger professional relationships |
| Zero tolerance for disrespect | Eliminate bullying, harassment, or incivility | Safe and positive work environment |
| Role alignment with strengths | Assign tasks based on individual expertise | Enhanced efficiency and team performance |
| Continuous feedback | Maintain open communication channels | Improved flexibility and adaptability |
| Lead by example | Model respectful and professional behavior | Encourages positive team culture |
Communication Comportment in Project Management
Effective communication is a defining attribute of strong leadership. My approach will be guided by the 5Cs of leadership communication: confidence, composure, civility, clarity, and conciseness. Confidence instills trust among team members, while composure ensures decisions are made calmly under pressure. Civility demonstrates respect and professionalism, clarity ensures expectations are well understood, and conciseness avoids unnecessary complexity.
Varpio and Teunissen (2020) noted that communication is only effective when verbal and nonverbal cues are consistent. Misalignment creates confusion and diminishes credibility. To counter this, I will apply mindfulness to remain self-aware and to tailor communication according to team needs.
Tone is another vital component. Leaders should use tone to inspire trust and foster cooperation. In written communication, I will use a tone that is audience-centered by adopting a “you” attitude—placing the interests of the team at the forefront. Standard English will be maintained for clarity, and content will be summarized and synthesized effectively to enhance understanding.
Table 2
5Cs of Leadership Communication
| Element | Application in Leadership | Impact on Team |
|---|---|---|
| Confidence | Express belief in abilities and project outcomes | Builds trust and credibility |
| Composure | Maintain calm, especially during challenges | Encourages stability and reduces stress |
| Civility | Demonstrate politeness and professional respect | Fosters a positive working environment |
| Clarity | Communicate expectations and goals explicitly | Minimizes misunderstandings and confusion |
| Conciseness | Deliver information directly without unnecessary complexity | Increases efficiency in communication |
Leadership Ethics
Ethical leadership requires balancing different moral perspectives. An ethic of justice prioritizes fairness, equality, and impartiality, while an ethic of care focuses on compassion and contextual understanding. Relying solely on one approach is insufficient; combining both perspectives ensures decisions are fair yet empathetic.
To resolve conflicts, I will apply a collaborative approach, which considers multiple viewpoints and seeks mutually beneficial solutions. This method not only enhances team satisfaction but also strengthens commitment to shared goals.
Promoting social justice within the team is equally important. Fair distribution of roles and responsibilities, along with equal opportunities for participation, ensures inclusivity. Every team member’s input will be valued, fostering equity and maintaining morale.
NR 703 Week 5 Leading Practice Change Projects
Table 3
Ethical Leadership Approaches
| Ethical Approach | Key Focus | Application in Project Leadership |
|---|---|---|
| Ethic of Justice | Fairness, impartiality, equality | Ensure balanced distribution of roles and decisions |
| Ethic of Care | Compassion, relationships, contextual needs | Acknowledge personal/team needs in decision-making |
| Collaborative Style | Inclusive problem-solving and conflict resolution | Enhance satisfaction and team cohesion |
| Social Justice | Equal opportunities and recognition | Maintain fairness and morale |
Conclusion
Successful leadership in practice change projects requires a balance of collaboration, communication, and ethics. A leader who promotes interprofessional teamwork can create synergy among diverse professionals. Effective communication comportment fosters trust, ensures clarity, and enhances collaboration. Furthermore, applying ethical frameworks in decision-making ensures fairness while maintaining compassion and respect.
For advanced practice nurses, these leadership qualities are particularly critical. They not only influence team outcomes but also directly impact patient safety and clinical results. By mastering these elements, leaders can foster sustainable change and improve healthcare delivery in complex settings such as geriatric care units.
References
Goldsberry, J. W. (2018). Advanced practice nurses leading the way: Interprofessional collaboration. Nurse Education Today, 65, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.02.024
Sims, S., Hewitt, G., & Harris, R. (2015). Evidence of a shared purpose, critical reflection, innovation, and leadership in interprofessional healthcare teams: A realist synthesis. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 29(3), 209–215. https://doi.org/10.3109/13561820.2014.1001671
NR 703 Week 5 Leading Practice Change Projects
Varpio, L., & Teunissen, P. (2020). Leadership in interprofessional healthcare teams: Empowering knotworking with followership. Medical Teacher, 42(6), 654–660. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2020.1733503