How Nurse Executives Can Lead in a Time of Change

March 23, 2023

Nurse executives are the most influential healthcare leaders as they have the greatest pull to influence and enact changes in their facilities. They are the drivers of innovation, and the ones nurses will turn to during tough times. Especially during COVID-19, many nurse executives were looked to by their staff on how they would manage high number of patients and a lack of resources. Nurse executives are responsible for enhancing their organization's culture and ensuring their team feels supported. During this time of immense change in healthcare, nurse executives must know the best way to lead and advocate for their team.  

The Role of a Healthcare Executive 

Healthcare leaders in their fields. They are responsible for being guides both personally and professionally for their staff. Healthcare executives must display honor, integrity, and ethics and set a good example for their nursing staff. As leaders, nurse executives are responsible for developing a staff culture of professionalism and respect. Hospital staff must create an environment where their employees are pushed to do their best and serve their patients to the best of their abilities.    

Their goal should be to improve the overall health of their communities. Healthcare executives are responsible for caring for their facility's clinical personnel, such as nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals. Healthcare leaders also have a multitude of responsibilities. Their responsibilities include having operational and financial strategies to best serve the needs of their patients, families, and communities. In times of dire need, healthcare executives need to adapt, be aware of any change or challenges their facilities face, and ensure they support their staff the best way they can. 

How Nurse Executives Can Implement Change 

Nurse executives can implement changes and impact their healthcare facilities in multiple ways. Proper leadership strategies in nursing are essential, especially during COVID-19, as the healthcare field has faced many challenges in the last few years. See below for strategies on how healthcare executives can implement facility changes and inspire change. 

Be Proactive Leaders 

Nursing executives are looked at most for their leadership capabilities in their hospitals. They must be proactive and create solutions for any situation at their facility. By being proactive, they will be able to move their nursing staff into the future and make sure their team is secure and ready for any challenge that comes their way. Their facility and staff will be well-rounded and able to handle any challenge. 

Empower Nursing Staff  

Empowerment is a core value of many healthcare facilities across the country. Empowerment and engagement among nursing staff are essential for any healthcare facility to operate successfully. Empowering staff will make them more comfortable giving their opinions and sharing their goals with executives. Schedule regular check-ins with your team to ensure they feel supported and are moving forward in their careers. This will, in turn, keep staff engaged and driven in their positions. 

Transform the Healthcare Workplace Culture  

Healthcare executives can transform their workplace culture for the better. Their management and leadership skills are needed to shape the culture of the nursing staff, so they stay committed to their work. Executives should create a culture of open communication and respect among their staff. This will create a solid foundation for current and future nurses. Creating a unified workplace culture will help nursing staff be better prepared to provide better patient care.  

Improve Patient Satisfaction 

Improving patient satisfaction starts at the top with healthcare executives. Patients trust executives and their nurses to perform at the highest level and deliver safe patient care. Improving patient satisfaction comes down to listening to your staff about what they need to provide adequate care. Nurse leaders should be aware of any medical errors and ensure their staff has proper safety measures to provide patient care.  

The Bottom Line  

Healthcare executives will need to look after their nursing staff, especially during these times of unexpected change. Their nursing staff will have the most knowledge on providing the best patient outcomes and improving their workplace environment. Healthcare executives and leadership set a precedent for patient care at facilities nationwide. Implementing real change at their facilities means listening and working with nursing staff on how they can be best supported and how their facilities can better care for their patients.  

They can change their staffing levels and improve their working conditions if they find alternate ways to aid their nursing staff. Facilities can diversify and improve their workplace culture by working with international nurses such as those from Avant Healthcare Professionals. If there are sound healthcare executives ready to implement changes, their facilities will be better off for it.