Learning Objective #1: Identify key behavioral strategies utilized to develop a team approach to designing and implementing a vision for nursing

Learning Objective #2: Identify key elements utilized to develop a strategic plan for nursing

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In May 2004, our organization was receiving numerous national accolades. Nursing, however, was not faring as well. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) resigned just prior to Nurses' Week. She had held this position for only two years, the same as the last CNO. The inability to maintain stability in Nursing leadership and absence of a clear vision for Nursing was disturbing to both Senior Leadership and the Nursing Staff. The Chief Executive Officer approached two Nursing leaders and offered them the opportunity to lead the redesign of Nursing within the organization.

The leaders created a “Nursing Vision Team” whose membership represented nurses from various positions and clinical specialties throughout the organization. The leaders utilized a combination of transformational and situational leadership styles to model behaviors that were essential to the success of the team. These behaviors included: collaboration, communication, a focus on data and outcomes, avoidance of blaming others and, most importantly, creating a common purpose and vision. The leaders acknowledged the contributions of the team members and how these contributed to the team's successes.

The team utilized a very focused approach in evaluating the current status by analyzing internal data. The members then conducted literature and Internet searches and telephone interviews of key nursing leaders across the nation to help identify best practices. The members analyzed the data, using quality improvement techniques, to develop key objectives and formulate the strategic plan.

The team was very involved in the CNO search. Each candidate presented a formal presentation to the Nursing Vision Team. There has also been open communication between Nursing and Senior Leadership. The Nursing Vision was included as a Strategic Objective for the organization for 2005.

The team created a vision statement for Nursing, which we are truly living: “Experience and Share the Joy of Nursing”