Lesson 4: Operational and Strategic Planning and the Nurse Leader’s Role In Health Policy

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail...

As I've chapter 7 it has become clear. Without proper planning more time is going to be spent in achieving few goals. The purpose of planning is to decide in advance what to do and how to do it. It is  purposeful and proactive. There are several different kinds of planning and after reading and reviewing each one, it seems to me that the most beneficial mode of planning is that of proactive planning. Instead of waiting until a problem arises or working to maintain status quot, proactive planning considers the past, present, and future in anticipation of a need or problem. When done properly, planning allows for the best use of resources, whether it be time or money, identification of short and long-term goals, and creation of objectives and the organization to achieve these goals.

Just as personal plans and goals are influenced by our personal values, the values and beliefs of an organization shape it's plans and therefore influence what goals are set. Determining the values and beliefs of an organization begins with defining their purpose, or mission statement; the reason the particular organization exists and what it aims to accomplish. The purpose of the organization as set for by the mission statement gives way to an organizational philosophy that further delineates the values and beliefs that direct the actions of the organization. After an organization has developed a set of values and beliefs by defining it's mission and organizational philosophy goals and objectives for achieving their purpose, as well as policies, procedures and rules that guide the way the goals are achieved.

The role of a nurse leader in planning and formulating policy for the organization they work requires they are creative and innovative in identifying goals and objectives so that policy reflects current practice but also leaves room to grow and incorporate views of the future. Because self-awareness influences the way one views the system of beliefs and values, it is also important that a nurse leader provide support staff with opportunities to grow and increase their self-awareness in their individual positions at the organization.

Another key point to being a successful nurse leader in an organization is to have a value system that is consistent with that of the organization. When individual values and beliefs are not congruent with those of the organization, it may result in confusion and anxiety. This internal struggle creates personal conflict and will ultimately lead to job stress and dissatisfaction and eventually job burnout.