Constant Chaos: Utilizing Change Theory in Baccalaureate Nursing Leadership Education

The need for leadership education in undergraduate nursing has been established (CASN & CNA, 2014) and is essential for the progression of the profession (Duncan, Rodney & Thorne, 2014). As a part of learning on leadership the concept of change was utilized with fourth year nursing students to solidify their understanding of leadership concepts and their effects on change. It is essential that nurses develop the skills required to be involved in successful change. Beginning the exploration of change within nursing education provides nurses with the foundation needed to become leaders of change and effective followers. 

Change is inevitable in health care and is something that nurses are a part of continually.  This presentation will explore how the concept of change was introduced in a leadership course in the fourth year of an undergraduate degree program in Canada.  Using identified change theories students were asked to examine a change being implemented in health care and were asked to explore the role of the nurse and connection to change theory.  Through this examination students were able to see the influence they as new RN graduates can have on change initiatives and gain insight into surviving and thriving in change. 

In this presentation participants will be presented with information on the education program, curriculum, place of learning, and influencing literature and policy driving leadership education in this school of nursing. There will be an opportunity to discuss key leadership concepts used in undergraduate education and explore possibilities for future development. From the broad concept of leadership participants will focus on the concept of change and identify how a specific assignment was utilized to consolidate student learning on leadership. The goal of the assignment was to foster an understanding in students of their potential roles in ensuring change is positive and effective.  By understanding the complexity and dynamics of planned change fourth year undergraduate students have the opportunity to explore their role in change and how they can contribute and develop their leadership skills, knowledge, and abilities.

References:

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, Canadian Nurses Association (CASN & CNA). (2014). National nursing education summit summary report. Ottawa, Authors.

Duncan, S., Rodney, P.A., & Thorne, S. (2014). Forging a strong nursing future: insights from the Canadian context. Journal of Research in Nursing, 19 (7-8), 621-633. DOI: 10.1177/1744987114559063