Leadership is defined as the ability to inspire others to achieve a desired outcome. In Nursing Leadership and Management (NURS 428), I am currently learning that there are many different types of leadership styles including: authoritative, democratic, and laissez-faire. The democratic leadership style is the model that most nurses implement. It encompasses: inclusion of the group when decisions are made, motivates by supporting staff achievements, and communication flows up and down the chain of command. Democratic leadership is vital in nursing and society as well. Allowing everyone to have a voice in decisions overall leads to better outcomes for the group.

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In Evolution of Nursing Science (NURS 212), my classmates and I completed a wiki project on the topic of abortion. Abortion is a controversial subject and has been for many decades. We decided to only present factual information to the group without bias or a presumed tone of either for or against abortions. My part of the project included the types of abortion and what they entailed. For example, dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a type of abortion that includes using suction and forceps to remove the fetus after the cervix is dilated. When presenting this to the class, my goal was to remain neutral and not make any of my classmates uncomfortable. I struggled with the idea of including a video of this procedure and determined it would be best to present this idea to my group members first, before placing it on the wiki. After class, I showed them a video of a D&E being performed on a patient. I listened to 7 other people give me their opinion of why we should or should not include this video in the presentation. We decided to not play the video in class, but rather include it so that way the students could decide for themselves if they wanted to watch it. At the time, I did not know this was considered democratic leadership – but since have realized that encompassing everyone’s ideas and opinions to meet a common goal is what this concept means.

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Before college, I would not have considered myself a leader. I was very unsure of myself and my confidence was below average compared to other peers. It wasn’t until December of my freshman year that my outlook on college and how I carried myself changed drastically. After applying and interviewing I was selected to be a peer advisor (PAL) on the Lancaster campus. Becoming a PAL was a rigorous, but rewarding process. The application for this position becomes available in December of the Fall semester with only a short window to apply. Candidates are then selected for an interview that includes the Dean, Student Life Director, and different department chairs. It was very intimidating, and they asked questions that forced you to dig deep within yourself and explain to them why you would be an ideal candidate for this position.  For the past 3 years, my summers have been spent helping the incoming students prepare to transition into the college life, select and register for classes, and be their voice if facing difficulties during orientation. As a result of taking on this role my views on leadership have changed in so many ways. Leaders are considered inspiring and respectful, possess problem solving and critical thinking skills, and can maintain a positive attitude.

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There were often moments when I was faced with difficult situations during orientation and considering I was the senior of the PALs, I had to solve them to the best of my ability. Students would complain about being outside in the heat – which I fully understood. South Carolina heat in the middle of July is debilitating. The campus was filled with students (attending summer classes or attending orientation), therefore the places I could relocate my group was slim to none. There was also the factor of ensuring we arrived at every session on time so I couldn’t take them too far from our next destination. After conversing with my other PALs, we decided our best option would be to move the students into an empty classroom in the Bradley building. This building is large and would allow us fit our entire group into a room without disturbing the other sessions or classes taking place. Democratic leadership played a significant role in this moment. I listened to everyone’s concerns and determined what I perceived was best for the entire group – ultimately satisfying everyone.

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As a leader, it is important to understand the resources you have readily available and to be adaptable to any situation that may come your way. Having a leadership class in our nursing program allows me to view the qualities I possess internally as well as compare them to the leaders I  interact with daily. Nurses signify leadership because they are the integral part of the patient’s success. The concept of democratic leadership is just as important in-patient care as it is in the workplace. Valuing everyone’s input fosters growth and overall improves the quality of care provided to patients.

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