Kot1
Two strategies that enable a nurse on an interdisciplinary team to exert leadership without occupying a formal leadership position. There are many different leadership roles a nurse can take on without having the formal title to stand behind. To be clear, a formal leadership role gives ‘one’ a title, but in saying that it does not necessarily make them a leader, only a manager with a big title. An influential leader leads by example, sometimes with words, but often through action. To be a leader one does not need a title, only others seeking their knowledge. One of the ways a nurse can take on an informal leadership position is that of the environment of care nurse. Some nurses finds themselves being the person staff members seek for advice or support with their issues, therefore they have been selected by their peers as an informal leader. The work environment in which the nurse leader portrays to their peers should be that of a positive, confident, yet a pleasant one ("Nursing leadership and,"). Communication skills are a very important part of being an effective leader, as is listening. Part of being a leader is being able to gather information and take staff member concerns to formal leadership. The nurse leader needs to be part of the solution to fix issues while keeping a positive attitude. The nurse leader should recognized staff members for their accomplishments and work ethics ("Nursing leadership and,"). The nurse leader also needs to lead by example as to be a good role model for younger nurses. Another informal leadership role nurses take on is that of the patient advocate. Patients that come to the hospital for whatever reason through the emergency department, outpatient surgery, or admitted to hospital are vastly unfamiliar with the everyday flows of the hospital or the area in which they are in. So many times patients and families are kept in the dark as to what is going on, why it is taking so long, what is next, and ‘where’s