Lesson 5

Organizational structure, power, and the role of the nurse leader. When I heard what we were in class today I thought about my manager.  What is her role, her responsibilities as a manager, along with the way in which she has used her power, the way she has carried out her responsibilities, along with the way that she has portrayed herself.  Being a manager would be a hard position to be in.  Many people in which you are having to answer to.  By having so many people reporting to one person, the role can become too much, therefore the manager becomes less efficient.  We discussed the different levels of management in class.  When I thought of management, I only thought about the direct manager.  WHat I didnt realize is that administration, CEO's, charge nurses, board of directors etc are all considered managers.  Each of these positions has a position of power, obviously some more than others.
Power can be positive or negatvie, those with power have the ability to get things done.  Those in a power of position have the ability to influence others.  People in a position of power can obviously let power become a negative thing.  When in a power of position one must remember to empower subordinates whenever possible, Use authority in such a manner that subordinates view actions as necessary. 
Overall as a manager, you must present yourself in a way in which you are professional and will only use your power for means of bettering the department.  ALso that your employees are in your best interest.  Many times people who are in a position of power make thier employees feel as if their opinions dont matter. THis is vital in order to continue to stay in a position of power.