NR 703 Week 5 Leading Practice Change Projects

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-703: Applied Organizational & Leadership Concepts

Prof. Name:

Date

Leading Practice Change Projects

The purpose of this paper is to present a structured leadership framework to address the persistent issue of patient falls within the geriatric care unit of my healthcare facility. Leadership in healthcare requires more than delegation; it relies on ethical decision-making, effective communication, and strong interprofessional collaboration. These elements form the foundation of change initiatives that improve patient safety while fostering teamwork. This discussion highlights how collaborative practice, communication comportment, and ethical leadership are applied in leading successful change projects.

Interprofessional Collaboration in Leading Project Teams

Why is interprofessional collaboration important in leading practice change projects?
Interprofessional collaboration is essential for creating shared responsibility in healthcare teams. Sims, Hewitt, and Harris (2015) note that mutual respect encourages trust, accountability, and ethical decision-making. In contrast, the absence of respect often results in conflict, reduced productivity, and compromised patient safety.

To promote mutual respect, I will establish a professional environment where every team member’s expertise is valued. Embracing diversity while aligning with shared goals creates harmony within the team. In addition, adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward incivility, harassment, or bullying ensures psychological safety. By modeling respectful and ethical conduct, I will set a standard that others are encouraged to follow.

Goldsberry (2018) emphasized that interprofessional teams achieve the greatest impact when their goals are well defined, and members’ roles are aligned with their strengths. As a leader, I will identify the project’s primary objectives and assign responsibilities based on individual skill sets. This not only improves efficiency but also motivates professionals to work within their areas of expertise. Open communication and continuous feedback will remain integral to maintaining adaptability and continuous growth.

Table 1

Strategies to Promote Interprofessional Collaboration

Strategy	Description	Expected Outcome
Encourage mutual respect	Acknowledge diversity and individual contributions	Strengthened trust and collaboration
Zero tolerance for disrespect	Eliminate bullying, harassment, or incivility	Safer and positive team environment
Role alignment with strengths	Assign tasks based on team members’ expertise	Increased efficiency and better outcomes
Continuous feedback	Encourage open communication channels	Flexibility and ongoing improvement
Lead by example	Demonstrate professionalism and respect	Builds a positive and ethical team culture

Communication Comportment in Project Management

How does communication impact leadership in healthcare projects?
Communication serves as the foundation of effective leadership. The 5Cs of leadership communication—confidence, composure, civility, clarity, and conciseness—are guiding principles for managing teams. Confidence builds credibility, composure ensures level-headed decision-making under stress, civility enhances professionalism, clarity minimizes misunderstandings, and conciseness prevents information overload.

Varpio and Teunissen (2020) argued that communication is effective only when verbal and nonverbal cues are consistent. Leaders must demonstrate mindfulness to ensure messages align with their actions. Misalignment not only reduces credibility but can also erode trust.

Tone further influences how communication is received. A leader’s tone should convey encouragement, respect, and collaboration. For written communication, I will apply a “you-attitude,” emphasizing the team’s needs rather than individual preferences. Standard English, concise phrasing, and synthesized content will ensure accessibility for all team members.

Table 2

5Cs of Leadership Communication

Element	Application in Leadership	Impact on Team
Confidence	Express belief in team skills and project outcomes	Builds trust and reassurance
Composure	Maintain calm in challenging situations	Reduces stress and creates stability
Civility	Demonstrate respect and politeness	Promotes inclusivity and collaboration
Clarity	Clearly define expectations and goals	Prevents misinterpretation and confusion
Conciseness	Deliver direct and focused communication	Improves efficiency and reduces complexity

Leadership Ethics

What ethical principles guide leadership in healthcare projects?
Ethical leadership requires a balance between justice and compassion. The ethic of justice emphasizes fairness, equality, and impartiality, while the ethic of care prioritizes empathy, relationships, and understanding unique contexts. Relying solely on one perspective may create blind spots; however, integrating both ensures that decisions are both equitable and compassionate.

To address conflicts, I will apply a collaborative approach that acknowledges diverse perspectives and works toward shared solutions. This enhances satisfaction, strengthens cohesion, and encourages buy-in from all team members.

Equity also extends to social justice within the workplace. Equal opportunities for role distribution, recognition, and input are necessary to foster inclusivity. Valuing contributions from all staff ensures fairness and morale, which are crucial for sustaining long-term change.

Table 3

Ethical Leadership Approaches

Ethical Approach	Key Focus	Application in Project Leadership
Ethic of Justice	Fairness, impartiality, equality	Equitable distribution of responsibilities and decisions
Ethic of Care	Compassion, empathy, relationships	Address personal and team needs in decision-making
Collaborative Style	Inclusive conflict resolution and problem-solving	Encourages teamwork and satisfaction
Social Justice	Equal recognition and opportunities	Promotes fairness, morale, and inclusivity

Conclusion

Effective leadership in healthcare practice change projects requires a deliberate combination of collaboration, communication, and ethical frameworks. Interprofessional teamwork fosters synergy across diverse disciplines, while communication comportment ensures clarity, trust, and mutual understanding. Ethical decision-making promotes fairness and compassion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and respected.

For advanced practice nurses, these leadership qualities are essential for driving change in complex healthcare settings such as geriatric units. Patient safety, team morale, and clinical effectiveness all depend on a leader’s ability to balance respect, communication, and ethics. By integrating these practices, leaders can achieve sustainable change that enhances patient outcomes and strengthens healthcare delivery.

References

Goldsberry, J. W. (2018). Advanced practice nurses leading the way: Interprofessional collaboration. Nurse Education Today, 65, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.02.024

Sims, S., Hewitt, G., & Harris, R. (2015). Evidence of a shared purpose, critical reflection, innovation, and leadership in interprofessional healthcare teams: A realist synthesis. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 29(3), 209–215. https://doi.org/10.3109/13561820.2014.1001671