Use of System Archetypes to Accelerate, Advance, and Deepen Systems Thinking Skills of Nurses

The purpose of this presentation is to define and describe essential characteristics of systems thinking and the value of systems thinking for understanding issues, problems and solutions in complex nursing practice, education, and research contexts. The importance of developing a systems thinking mindset is highlighted. Habits of systems thinkers are defined and described. The metacognitive aspects of systems thinking are explained using the Distinction, System, Relationships and Perspective (DSRP) model developed by Cabrera & Cabrera (2018). Systems thinkers consciously use distinctions to challenge existing norms, labels, and definitions to identify bias in the way information is structured. Systems Thinkers consider the context of parts and whole. Systems thinkers use relationship to show dynamic interactions between and among feedback loops and between and among things and ideas to show reciprocal relationships. Systems thinkers use perspectives to re-think distinctions, relationships and system dynamics. Mastering systems thinking skills involves insights and understanding of classic system archetype dynamics. Classic negative system archetypes such as Drifting Goals, Escalation, Fixes that Fail, Growth and Underinvestment, Limits to Success, Shifting the Burden/Addiction, Success to the Successful, Tragedy of the Commons, Accidental Adversaries, are explained. The classic negative system archetypes will be contrasted with selected positive system archetypes. Positive system archetypes include the following: Plan for limits, Strut your Stuff, Collective Agreement, Invest for Success, Fixes that Work, Bite the Bullet, Stay on Track, Cooperative Partners, Win/Win, Be Your Best. The mental models that support both negative and positive system archetypes are discussed. A teaching learning strategy designed to helps students master systems thinking skills is shared. Once nurses are exposed to systems thinking, they see it as a common thread in almost every issue that arises, in and outside of healthcare. Systems thinking makes for better nurse leaders who can positively influence the dynamics in academic and practice contexts. Useful references and resources are provided to stimulate additional exploration and learning related to contemporary theories of system thinking dynamics. Helping nurses develop a systems thinking mindset is an essential ingredient for unraveling and understanding the complexities of care process in contemporary practice.