The Importance Of Informal Power In Nurse Management

Register to read the introduction… Patient and employee satisfaction is an essential component of a successful organization. If the patients are unhappy with their care or service they will not return; patients have a choice in where they receive healthcare. Without substantial patient flow the hospital loses revenue and eventually jobs. Patient satisfaction is absolutely necessary and priority for every nurse leader. Employees must also be satisfied with their work. Employees are more productive and provide better care when they are happy. Employees have an informal power affecting how the department functions. Informal leaders within a unit can quickly turn the department down a path of negativity. The behavior is counterproductive to the hospitals mission. Informal leaders also have the potential of improving a professional environment. These informal leaders can encourage education and excellence within the department. Recognizing the influence of formal and informal power is important for the nurse leader so that all shareholders in the organization can be …show more content…
The democratic style evolved from a knee jerk style that she found to be counterproductive, but used because she lacked the knowledge of how to manage effectively. After trial and error she developed a style both she and her employees were comfortable with. Even with a productive leadership style adaptation continues to be necessary. Conforming to new policy and guidelines established by administration, Medicare, and the accrediting agency the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a challenge but necessary in order to provide safe and effective patient care. The biggest challenge identified by this leader was initially being unprepared for a management role, learning how to avoid micromanagement, and maintaining clinical competency. While being a leader presents challenges this leader believes that through communication challenges can be overcome and from these challenges a person experiences personal and professional growth. A leader must also contend with the formal and informal powers within an organization. Meeting the needs of administration, staff, and patients all come as a challenge. Openness and therapeutic communication is the key to balancing the influences of formal and informal power. Effective leadership requires the individual to be creative, adaptive, and professional in order to motivate others to perform to the best of their