Differentiate between “leading” and “managing.” Based on your experience in the health care industry, explain how an advanced registered nurse can lead well and provide management.

I have always seen managers and leaders as two separate roles. The title of manager comes with the job and authority they were given. A leader is a title that is earned with credibility and vision. Management focuses on efficiency, function and processes while leadership focuses on relationship, interactions and influence (Weberg et al., 2019). Not all managers are good leaders, and anyone can be a good leader. Managing is performing the defined technical skills and duties needed for maintaining a department of staff. Leading is inspiring, motivating or encouraging the team or individuals that do the work. 

Advanced practice registered nurse can both lead and provide management. Advanced practice nursing leadership and its contribution to improving the care environment for patients and families, nurses and other healthcare providers, organizations and the healthcare system (Lamb et al., 2018). APRNs have the education, expertise and skills to manage and lead nurses and their peers within their organizations. They know the business of health care and its challenges to meet the expectations of the organizations they belong to. APRNs have the technical knowledge and research skills to develop policy and strategies towards organizational goals and quality outcomes. As leaders, APRNs can have the ability to influence nurses and patients towards shared goals. APRNs must have good and direct communication skills to inspired and challenge others to meet desire outcomes. 

As a nurse manager one strategy I use to manage and lead my team is open, honest and effective communication.  I accomplish this with rounding daily with my team and patients. I first start my day with a morning huddle meeting with staff and reviewing our organizational and department goals and opportunities. I elicit feedback and advice from them on what are the barriers and issues that may prevent them from delivering good care and understand their concerns. And throughout the day I try to meet with each one individually starting off casually then some to a more simi-formal meeting. I tend to incorporate servant leadership with active listening, stewardship and growth. It is important to maintain trust and understanding between my staff and myself. When I round with patients I focus on active listening, providing empathy and making sure their individual needs are met. 

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