Inspiring a Shared Vision is a leadership practice reflected in the core behaviours
of positive communication, active listening, interpersonal competence, commitment to a
vision and sharing a common purpose. Staff nurses partner with patients to achieve
specific patient care goals. Nurses inspire patients to share a vision for their health by
positively communicating concerns, choices, and potential outcomes and helping patients
understand their illness and the steps needed for them to achieve well being. Nurses
develop relationships with patients based on trust and the therapeutic use of self. They
listen to patients and engage in meaningful conversations, using an enthusiastic manner
to motivate and empower patients to participate in their treatment goals.
Modeling the Way is a visible leadership practice which reflects the core
behaviours of setting an example, clarifying values, sustaining commitment, making a
plan and achieving small wins. Nurses clearly articulate professional standards and
values and demonstrate these in their practice behaviours. They show respect for patients
by taking the time to listen and they follow through with the patients on mutually agreed
upon plans. Nurses set examples for others with visible leader behaviours when
communicating effectively with patients and other health disciplines. Nurses visibly
demonstrate care that is patient-centered. They spend time encouraging patients and their
families to participate and contribute to the patient's treatment goals. Nurses contribute
to and evaluate interventions and outcomes and collaborate with patients and other
healthcare disciplines to plan care.
Enabling Others to Act is a leadership practice that reflects the core behaviours of
collaboration, building trusting relationships, sharing information and resources,
developing self leadership and providing visible support. Nurses establish trusting and
therapeutic relationships with patients by actively listening and demonstrating consistent
behaviours. They maintain credibility with patients with honest interactions, setting aside
time with patients to talk about their concerns and answer their questions. Nurses share
information with patients and families and help them become informed about their care,
empowering them to participate in health related decisions. Nurses provide patients with
access to the resources they need to help them make informed decisions within the
organization and in preparation for their return to the community.
Encouraging the Heart is a leadership practice that reflects the core behaviours of
recognizing contributions, building confidence, providing feedback, celebrating
accomplishments and creating social support. Nurses recognize patient efforts during
recovery with positive verbal feedback, and celebrate patients' achievements with regard
to specific patient care goals. They provide ongoing encouragement and include family
members where possible to support the patient's efforts towards recovery. Nurses
establish networks within community services to access resources, sometimes
coordinating these resources to support patients when discharged from the hospital and
returning to the community.