One of the best ways in which to be successful in those endeavors is to have good leadership. Proper leadership allows for an overall experience that is the best for everyone involved (van Vugt & Ahuja, 2011). In a medical setting, the leader must be sure to pass important knowledge and information down to those who are caring for the patients, and must take action to correct known problems.
There are resources that can be used to ensure patients are receiving the best care possible. As a nursing shift supervisor, working with the right colleagues and using the proper resources could help the patient and also resolve the ethical issues that are seen in Mr. J.'s case. Any leader who wants to see success for all involved in any business endeavor must be open to working with a number of people who can provide what is needed in the overall equation (Schultz & Schultz, 2010). In the case of Mr. J., a nursing shift supervisor would have three issues with which to deal -- the pressure sore, the restraints, and the non-kosher meal the patient was served on the previous night. With regard to that meal, there are sub-issues regarding the fact that he received the meal at all, the fact that this was not the first time this had been an issue, and that fact that his daughter was not told about the incident when it occurred and found out in an accidental way. Working with the food service staff to emphasize the importance of a kosher diet for Jewish patients and implementing significant penalties for providing a non-kosher meal may be necessary.
As to the pressure sore and the restraints, consideration must be given to the rates of these that are commonly seen. If...
J. would be restrained. However, that does not mean it is a good policy, and it may have to be reconsidered by hospital leadership. The pressure sore is also a serious issue, because the safety and comfort of patients are highly important. Pressure sores come from remaining in one position for far too long, and can generally be avoided in most cases. Looking carefully at the nursing logs for Mr. J. And his care may shed light on who was caring for him at specific times and whether he was supposed to be moved during those shifts. If he was not being moved properly to prevent pressure sores, more training and potential reprimands for the nurses who are avoiding this duty is needed.
References
Forsyth, D.R. (2009). Group dynamics (5th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Hackman, M. & Johnson, C. (2009). Leadership: A communication perspective. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.
Lussier, R.N., & Achua, C.F. (2010). Leadership, theory, application, & skill development.(4th ed). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.
Schultz, D.P., Schultz, S.E. (2010). Psychology and work today: An introduction to industrial and organizational psychology (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.
Scouller, J. (2011). The three levels of leadership: How to develop your leadership presence, knowhow and skill. Cirencester: Management Books.
van Vugt, M., & Ahuja, a.(2011). Naturally selected: the evolutionary science of leadership. New York: HarperBusiness.
