“The defini
tion of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein
This is one of my favorite quotes and is so applicable to today’s final video of our three-part series on nursing leadership. The nursing profession has an extensive history behind it. We have come along with, as the science of nursing practice continues to evolve.
However, at times, we seem to be butting up against the same challenges over and over again.
- Not having the supplies we need from the central storage department
- Rushing patients out too quickly who are not ready for discharge and, therefore, bounce back into our care in less than 30 days time
- Under-staffing our units, especially since we typically run over capacity
When will we learn to do things differently? Well guess what- this is where nursing leadership has a fantastic opportunity. This is where each of us as nurse leaders can step up to the plate.
Instead of doing what we’ve always done (and getting those same old results)- it’s time for each and every one of us nurse leaders to think outside of the box.
Here’s the final video in this three-part series on nursing leadership that invites us to look for new opportunities:
What about this step can you start working on today? What do you already do to build these components of nursing leadership in your nursing career? Let’s hear from you; leave a comment or question below. Thanks for watching!
About the Author: As a keynote speaker, bestselling author and virtual conference host, Elizabeth partners with hospitals, organizations, associations, and nursing groups to help transform the field of nursing from the inside out. As the bestselling author of ‘Nursing from Within‘, Elizabeth guides nurses and nursing students to a change in perspective, helping them make the inner shift needed to better maneuver the sometimes challenging realities of being a caregiver.
Elizabeth,
Your message hits the mark again. “Thinking outside the box” and “doing things differently” is so important for nurse leaders.
In my work as an advocate for nurses with disabilities, I often see that nurses who can look outside the box and do things differently are most successful.
Thanks for another great post!
You’re welcome. I am glad that you see success in this in your workplace. That is great to hear and so empowering for those who also want to be successful nurse leaders. Thank you, Donna!
Love thinking outside the box.
Great to hear, Maureen.
I”m also encouraged after reading your blog. Likewise, I’ve surprisingly had wonderful opportunities I wouldn’t have discovered if I wasn’t “looking outside the box.” Oh, and I love, love, love the video you added into this blog post! It’s like you were right here with me as a I read your post. Awesome job!
Thanks, Dr. Silva. I appreciate the feedback on the video and am glad you enjoyed the content!
Thanks Elizabeth, I’m definitely in a transition period within my nursing career and am trying real hard to look outside the box, its hard when I have been on the same unit since I graduated from nursing school. I am definitely open to new opportunities and am hoping one will fall my way soon!!
Staying open certainly helps, Kelly. And so does having clear goals and a vision for your ideal nursing career. Be sure to keep these in mind as you continue to open up to the possibilities!
Inspiring open minds and out-of-the-box solutions is such a wonderful message, Elizabeth. So many of our challenges in healthcare, like the ones you mentioned have been around forever not to mention lapses in communication that may squelch new ideas. In short, i applaud your work creating mindshifts that will help nurses and patients….everyone that interfaces in healthcare.
I also loved your story about the gym and how it was a really kool opportunity that you couldn’t have imagined….
Yup, the gym example is a perfect fit for this content. I had no clue a nurse could work at a gym… nor did I think that nurse was me! Staying open supported me on this wonderful career journey I am now enjoying. Thanks for your feedback, Beth!