Is Leadership for Me? A Self-Assessment for Aspiring Nurse Leaders
Have you ever looked at a senior nurse or manager and wondered, "Could I do that?" I know I certainly did when I was a bedside nurse. Perhaps you’re excelling in your current role, offering support to colleagues, or finding yourself naturally taking charge in certain situations. If so, you might be on the path to nursing leadership. But how do you truly know if it's the right fit for you?
At Beyond Bedside, we believe in empowering nurses to reach their full potential, and for many, that includes exploring leadership roles. I'm Katrina (Kat), the founder and CEO, and I want to share a bit about my journey from bedside nurse to senior leader, as I believe it offers some valuable insights into what leadership might look like for you.
My Journey: From Bedside to Beyond
My story began with my nursing education in the Philippines. It was a comprehensive four-year Bachelor's Degree programme, covering everything from Human Anatomy and Physiology to Maternal and Child Nursing. That solid foundation gave me the confidence to gain extensive clinical experience across various specialities, including Surgical Nursing, Accident and Emergency, and eventually, Interventional Radiology Nursing.
For me, the move from a bedside nurse to senior management felt like a natural progression. I always strove for exceptional standards of care and held my team to the same high expectations. My commitment to nursing excellence was clear, and I suppose my leadership potential became evident over time.
Today, I serve as the Divisional Senior Nurse for Imaging at my institution here in the UK. It's a big role, overseeing a significant team that includes 10 nursing team leaders, 12 staff nurses, and 3 healthcare assistants. With three years of nursing management experience and a total of 14 years post-qualification, I truly understand the intricate balance of clinical demands and leadership responsibilities.
Beyond my formal role, I'm passionate about developing other nurses. I'm a qualified Mentor, Student Supervisor, and Student Assessor. I’ve directed and participated in numerous service improvement initiatives, always striving to enhance patient care and team efficiency. My current focus at Beyond Bedside is to ensure that aspiring nurses receive the resources and support they need to advance their careers. Drawing from my experience on countless interview panels, I offer invaluable advice on the application process and the crucial importance of interview preparation. I even provide leadership and management coaching, driven by my core belief that investing in oneself is paramount, and any nurse dedicated to continuous improvement can achieve their objectives.
So, Is Leadership for YOU? A Self-Assessment
Inspired by my own experiences, let’s consider some questions to help you assess if nursing leadership is your next step:
Do you consistently strive for excellence in your own practice? Like me, do you set high standards for yourself and others around you?
Do you enjoy guiding and supporting your colleagues? Are you often the person others come to for advice or a helping hand?
Are you proactive in identifying areas for improvement? Do you notice inefficiencies and find yourself thinking about how things could be done better?
Are you comfortable taking responsibility? Are you willing to make decisions and be accountable for the outcomes, even when it's challenging?
Do you have a knack for problem-solving? Can you think critically and find practical solutions, even under pressure?
Are you committed to continuous learning and development? Do you believe in investing in your own growth, just as I advocate?
Do you communicate effectively and inspire confidence in others? Can you clearly articulate your thoughts and motivate your team?
If you found yourself nodding along to many of these questions, then the answer might just be a resounding "yes." Leadership isn't just about managing people; it's about inspiring them, empowering them, and driving positive change within our NHS and wider healthcare system.
At Beyond Bedside, we're here to support you on your leadership journey. Just like me, we truly believe in the power of investing in yourself.
At Beyond Bedside, we believe in nurturing the leadership potential within every nurse. If you've been asking "Is leadership for me?" and are ready to take the next step in your professional journey, explore how our consultation services can empower you to lead beyond the bedside. Visit https://www.beyondbedside.co.uk/consultation-services today.
