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All Nurses Are Leaders
Laura Wisniewski, RN. BS, CIC
February 02, 2009
4. DECISIVE
“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
Critical thinking is non-linear thinking, recognizing potential consequences and preparing for various outcomes. Critical thinkers have the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, utilize available resources, collaborate, and ultimately decide on a course of action.
5. EXTRAORDINARY
“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” – Booker T. Washington
Nurses often hear the comment from others, “I could never do what you do.” The US Department of Labor identifies eight universal job skills. Most occupations require four or less of these skills. Nursing requires all eight skills which include: leadership/ persuasion, problem solving, teamwork, manual dexterity, instructing others, intuition, frequent public contact and physical stamina.
6. RESILIENT
“There are three constants in life; change, choice and principles.” – Stephen R. Covey
All industries, including healthcare are experiencing unprecedented rapid “white water” change. Change now occurs faster in a year than previously during a decade. How can nurses keep up with this pace while remaining both safe and relevant? As nurses follow their personal and professional guiding principles they will effectively choose, what must change and what must not change in nursing.

ypeabbles
8 months ago
32 comments
Excellent article. It defines nursing in every aspect of characteristics and qualities. I believe it is a growing and learning process that defines the leadership qualities we achieve.
sap
9 months ago
2404 comments
I believe I am a leader. I always have been since I was little. I never followed. My parents always said, "be a leader not a follower". I just love nursing!
nurz4life
9 months ago
102 comments
As nurses with a career that has non-delineated as our we need to be constantly aware of our right, responsibilites as a profession. Our leaders need to do more to drive home this fact that we are a licensed profession and that we need to be more visible and taken more seriously as the economy continue to spiral downwards and nurses are forced to do more with less.
nurz4life
9 months ago
102 comments
Awesome article. I would recommend it as a part of any nurses' " I love me file"
lisaj1979
9 months ago
2 comments
This is an awesome article and makes me feel reassured that I will someday reach that point of authority. I am only a student nurse right now but I feel confident that the nursing program is preping me to become such a leader
raxz_20
9 months ago
2 comments
well defined huh! i love it! thats the reason y i love 2 become a nurse!!!b hehehe...
buddylove
9 months ago
2 comments
WELL WRITTEN
Laserian
9 months ago
20 comments
Nice one ! Reminding, Re-orientating, Refreshing and Encouraging! Laserian, RN, RPN.
imaima
9 months ago
4 comments
Good article! Made me remember why I became a nurse 38 years ago, and why I continue to work in the field, ever chasing a new challenge!
Mary Cisko, RN