Journal of nursing management
-
To determine if a suitable method of measuring nursing workload could be developed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). ⋯ It is not sufficient to use patient acuity or severity of illness alone. Other factors such as the nurse's assessment of the intensity of care required and the organizational factors are important components of workload estimates.
-
This paper outlines how a specific action research approach can be used to secure practice development in services which have found sustained change difficult. For the purpose of this paper discussion focuses upon using professionalizing action research (a form of action research) to secure transformation in acute inpatient mental health services. This speciality has experienced long-term difficultly in meaningful practice change. Not limited to this context parallels can be made with other health and social care services requiring significant modernization. ⋯ Reviewing the literature and theoretical application indicates the value of professionalizing action research as a process for modernization. The strength of the approach lies in the opportunity for team learning and change which is grounded in the context of services and pursued through collaboration.
-
The present study addresses the importance of the manager's role in the development and maintenance of organizational culture. It describes the types of cultures that exist and manager characteristics that are essential to facilitating a healthy workplace. ⋯ Managers are always under the magnifying glass, with each action carefully scrutinized by subordinates. They must exercise caution when making decisions, ensuring that fairness and equitability exists among staff, and that ethical standards are upheld on a continual basis. The four cultural components, viewed as managerial traits of trust and trustworthiness, empowerment, consistency and mentorship coexist at all times regardless of the type of culture. Managers must put support systems and other mechanisms into place that allow employees the opportunity to empower themselves and to flourish, thus increasing their own effectiveness as well as that of the organization.