In this section, we will explore communication strategies to assist the nursing leader with crucial conversations and coaching and how to navigate the process of remediation and performance management. We will also explore strategies to aid in professional development and continuing competence at the individual level.
Crucial Conversations and Coaching
Crucial conversations tend to be about tough issues. They are conversations between two or more persons when one of the following is at play: stakes are high, opinions differ, or emotions are strong. Most of us try to avoid these conversations or handle them poorly. As a leader, it is important to know how to engage in them as the repercussions of not doing so may be problematic. Waldrop and Derouin, (2019) defined coaching “as supporting another person in achieving specific performance goals by providing guidance and ongoing support”. Nurse leaders may receive coaching in their roles as leaders especially when they are new to them or provide coaching and support to staff.
Activity #1
Read the following two articles:
- Angelo, E. (2019). Managing interpersonal conflict: Steps for success. Nursing management, 50(6), 22–28.
- Sherman, R. (n.d.). Crucial Conversations. EmergingRNleader.
Activity #2
In this video, LeeAnne shares a very practical application to giving and receiving feedback during crucial conversations.
Video: The secret to giving great feedback | The Way We Work, a TED series (5:01)
Professional Development in Nursing Practice Part Two – The Individual
All nurses are required to engage in professional development to maintain and continually improve their practice.
Activity #3
Read the following documents:
- College of Nurses of Ontario. (2019). Entry to practice competencies.
- College of Nurses of Ontario. (2021). Quality assurance self-assessment guide.
Activity #4
The following videos from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) have been included to emphasize the value and importance of reflection in our daily practice and as part of the CNO’s yearly quality assurance requirements.
Also included, is a short video explaining the Gibb’s reflective Cycles as a possible reflective practice framework.
Video: How to become a reflective practitioner (2:08)
Video: The Value of Practice Reflection (1:13)
Video: Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle Explained (8:46)
Activity #5
Reflection Exercise
Performance Management and Remediation
It can be challenging to motivate staff to be their best. Performance management is more than annual performance appraisals. It is a continuous process that includes planning, coaching and reviewing the performance of the persons who report to you.
Activity #6
Read the following document on the performance management process.
State of Oklahoma Training and Development. (N.D). Performance management process. It’s not merely evaluation. Office of Management and Enterprise Services.
Activity #7
Please read at least four (4) additional articles from the list below.
- Braithwaite, J., Herkes, J., Ludlow, K., Testa, L., & Lamprell, G. (2017). Association between organisational and workplace cultures, and patient outcomes: Systematic review. BMJ Open, 7(11), e017708.
- Effken, J. A., Verran, J. A., Logue, M. D., & Hsu, Y.-C. (2010). Nurse managers’ decisions: Fast and favouring remediation. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 40(4), 188–195.
- Harding, A. D., & Batista, C. S. (2016). Nursing practice remediation. Nursing Management, 47(10), 10–11.
- Madlabana, C., Mashamba-Thompson, T., & Petersen, I. (2020). Performance management methods and practices among nurses in primary health care settings: A systematic scoping review protocol. Systematic Reviews, 9(1).
- Raso, R., & Gulinello, C. (2010). Creating cultures of safety. Nursing Management, 41(12), 26–33.
- Seljak, J., & Kvas, A. (2015). Three-stage data envelopment analysis as a tool for nurse leader performance appraisals. SAGE Open, 5(1), 215824401557766.
- College of Nurses of Ontario. What to report. (2020, February 7).
Reflection Exercise
Consider the last time you received feedback from a co-worker or your direct report in your organization.
