Journal Entry on Leadership: Weeks 3 and 4, Nursing

This journal entry reflects on a student's practicum experience at a rehabilitation hospital, focusing on the application of leadership techniques in a clinical setting. The student details observations, including facility rounds, staff meetings, and interactions with visitors, highlighting the director's leadership skills. The entry further explores the student's role and influence as a future nurse leader, emphasizing the importance of leadership in patient care and collaboration with colleagues. The student also discusses opportunities to assist others, reflecting on instances of providing support to peers and contributing to departmental events. The journal entry includes a reflection on the concept of authority, drawing insights from a video and emphasizing the importance of responsibility, accountability, and earning respect in leadership. References include relevant academic sources that support the student's reflections on leadership theory and practice.

Running Head; JOURNAL ENTRY ON LEADERSHIP
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JOURNAL ENTRY ON LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP JOURNAL ENTRY 2
Thoughts and activities for weeks 3 and 4
The activities undertaken at the rehabilitation hospital were significant in my line of
practice towards enhancing quality care for patients. It provided hands-on experience on the
application of leadership techniques which ensures that there is effective management on how
I handled patients at the rehabilitation center, (Kent et al, 2015). This practicum opportunity
provides for exploring and learning on how various facets of leadership are applied in a
clinical nursing arena and offering guidance towards caring for the rehabilitants who are
seeking care, of the essence, is that it provides a perfect opportunity for understanding the
different leadership skills in rehabilitation settings.
Observation activities in week 3 and 4
Monday, 16th April 2018
The activities rolled out well after a reception to the rehabilitation center through the
director of the facility. I managed to join the facility rounds assessing the overall and facility
and ensuring that everything was okay and engaging the staff. The director guided me
through the various offices and departments through getting the progress and showing team
leadership to the staff. After the facility checking, a meeting was called by the director at tea
break, 10.00 am for the morning briefings. The director gave morale to the staff on the job
well done and motivated them.
Wednesday, 25th April 2018
On this day, there were visitors who were to join the staff at the facility, the director
had earlier on informed all the staff on the impending visitors visit and everyone was well
prepared for the occasion. Together with the director, we welcomed the visitors as soon as
they arrived, signed the visitor’s book at the office and proceeded to have a look at the
facility and to motivate the rehabilitants. The actions of leadership were demonstrated by the
director as she was able to control and manage some of the aggressive rehabilitation so as the

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visitors get ample time and encouraged them. The visitors left the facility in the afternoon
after having a meeting with the staff and completion of lunchtime meals.
My place and influence in my professional life
Having undergone this practicum experience with overall assessment, I have learned
that I have a critical role in offering leadership in any place I step. As part of my professional
experiences and growth, providing the leadership where necessary is key as far a much what
is done is doing the right thing. As a practicing nurse, there is a need for me to engage in
providing leadership and showing my patients the right path to recovery. Further, leadership
roles are essential while working with colleagues, (McCloughen, O’brien & Jackson, 2014).
It is key for me to exploit my leadership’s skills as learned from the experience of the
practicum with the director in her outstanding performance at the rehabilitation facility during
the various sessions I was engaged in. It was notable that she provided strategic and visionary
leadership and offering mentoring concepts to her staff at the facility.
Opportunities that I have had to help other person be successfully
There are two opportunities which I have utilized my abilities to help other persons,
these include helping my fellow nurse colleague during the undergraduate internship in
administering bandaging to a patient. Despite having learned on how simple bandaging can
be done, my friend had a difficulty in doing so and it was almost an act of medical
negligence. My actions ensured patient safety and successful treatment process. Another
opportunity is while at school assisting the department in organizing nursing field day, my
participation and active role ensured that we had a successful day as a department in general,
without my input; the event wouldn’t have been successful.
Actions are undertaken to serve people and inherent relationships
The actions which have demonstrated my authority entails facilitating a group of
undergraduate students to go on a field trip. As a postgraduate student, I was tasked from the

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department to reorganize the logistical issues for the undergraduate class to participate and go
to their field trip in partial fulfillment of their course requirements. This action I undertook of
sacrificing my time and energy in facilitating the group to academic journey progress was
essential as being part of success path for my colleagues at the undergraduate level.
Reflection on authority
The key aspects of the video output illustrated two key aspects, (Issue of Power
Video). I have learned that authority is to ensure that as a leader, you take responsibility and
be accountable for all actions you are undertaking. Being an accountable leader or manager
ensures that people trust you and faith that you will give them an opportunity for success,
(Liden et al.,2014).
Another key aspect of authority, I have learned is that as a leader, there is need to earn
respect from the staff below you. This was exhibited by the director whom she was loved and
respected at the rehabilitation hospital. Good leadership earns respect and honor from the
staff below and above your ladder.

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References
Issue of Power Video available at http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterial
Pages/nur670_vpv01GUI.php
Kent, L., Anderson, G., Ciocca, R., Shanks, L., & Enlow, M. (2015). Effects of a senior
practicum course on nursing students’ confidence in speaking up for patient safety.
Journal of Nursing Education.
Liden, R. C., Wayne, S. J., Liao, C., &Meuser, J. D. (2014). Servant leadership and serving
culture: Influence on individual and unit performance. Academy of Management
Journal, 57(5), 1434-1452
McCloughen, A., O'brien, L., & Jackson, D. (2014). Journey to become a nurse leader
mentor: past, present and future influences. Nursing Inquiry, 21(4), 301-310.