Class 1 Unit 4 COMMENT 1

Purpose: Discussion 

Thing to Remember:

• Answer this discussion with opinions/ideas creatively and clearly. Supports post using several  outside, peer-reviewed sources. 
• 1 References, try to find resources that are 5 years or less
• No errors with APA format.

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Discussion: Opinion Leaders 

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I chose to further my education in hopes of providing better patient care and education.  I want to be seen as an influence and a primary healthcare provider.  My goal is to provide specialized, high-leveled care to patients with different backgrounds. 

An opinion leader is someone who has strong influence within a work place, giving of their time and experience, and creates strategies to help change an initiative.  An opinion leader earns their role after much experience and expertise.  Others look to them for advice and new information (Hamric, Hanson, Tracy, & O’Grady, 2014). 

When problems arise in a work environment, employees will look towards opinion leaders and others who will lead them through the stressors and crises.  In order to be successful as an opinion leader, staff must be committed to serving the organization and devote time for teaching. Patient and staff safety should always be at the forefront.  Not one person knows all the answers, but once we live through various experiences our abilities and competence improve and widen (Kai Tiaki, 2014).

Communication skills can improve opinion leaders abilities.  It is important that communication allows everyone’s voice to be heard, in an open, non-combative manner.  In order for piers and other staff to have a positive trusting relationship with the opinion leader, they must feel as though they are being heard and also guided in difficult situations (Pollard & Wild, 2014).  

By the end of the summer, I am hoping my schedule allows me to become a preceptor for new graduates.  I view that role as being an opinion leader for an individual, which would progress to a small group.  I would love the opportunity to mold new fellows with everything I have learned so far as a postpartum nurse.  When a newer nurse comes to me for advice, I want them to feel safe.  My goal is never to talk down to someone making him or her feel inadequate for coming to me for help in the first place.  If I do not know how to solve the issue I have been made aware of, I seek guidance from another senior nurse.  I feel as though a good opinion leader wants others to seek their guidance instead of possibly making a mistake. 

References

Hamric, A. B., Hanson, C. M., Tracy, M. F., & O’Grady, E. T. (2014). Advanced 

practice nursing: An integrative approach (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Kai Tiaki. (2014) Nursing New Zealand. What nursing leaders are saying, 20(6), 

12-13. doi: edsgcl.375815611

Pollard, C., Wild, C. (2014) Nursing leadership competencies: low-fidelity 

simulation as a teaching strategy. Nurse education in practice, 14(6), 620-

626. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2014.06.006