social policy statement
My leadership skills have been challenged and tested over the last four weeks. I recently accepted a position as director of a new 4 bed ICU and 10 bed Step-down unit. Accepting this position required much thought and careful consideration, as it was a totally new experience for me. I would be stepping into a new role as a Director, previously I was a Clinical Coordinator of a CCU, and it would also be my first time at opening up a new unit. This unique opportunity has already begun to test my skills as a leader in many different aspects. Upon the first day walking into my new units, the enormous responsibility was overwhelming. I had no staff, few supplies, outdated equipment and many staff members throughout the hospital asking, when are you opening? I quickly realized I needed to assume the role of a leader in order to achieve the results needed to successfully open up these new units. Networks Networking throughout the hospital became my number one priority during my first week. I introduced myself to key staff members that would be pivotal in assisting me in achieving my goals required to open these units. The director of engineering was the first person I met. Together we walked through the units making a list of needed repairs and construction. As the two weeks progressed, my sense of urgency to complete these projects was higher than his; I was forced to solicit the support of administration in order to achieve my timeline of completion. My future goal would be to communicate my needs with a priority list; to focus on what needed to be accomplished first and to obtain Engineering’s support of these priorities. Page 2 The IT&S department head was the next important resource that I needed to develop a relationship with. We both analyzed my computer needs and within two days administration approved an order for two new computers for my Clinical Coordinators and myself. One of the most influential contacts was the COO, as he had to be sold on the financial needs of these units. He was a very direct, matter of fact individual; I quickly learned the importance of speaking with confidence and conviction in order to be heard. This is a skill I plan to develop further over time, as I tend to be soft spoken when others appear intimidating. This process has already taught me the valuable tool of effective communicating in order to achieve desired results. As Maxwell states in his book, “you can’t move people to action unless you first move them with emotion”. My action plan includes communicating with emotion. I need to develop my credibility by demonstrating integrity and a true sense of caring about individuals that I interact with.