Chief Nurse Blog: Nursing Matters February 2022

Reflecting and reaffirming Resonant Leadership

This month’s blog is fueled by my passion and dedicated investment into lifelong learning. I recently completed my first of five sessions as a Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellow in a year-long leadership program commitment.

The Collaborative of Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy - Case Western Reserve University, in partnership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) and the Health Care Financial Management Association (HCFMA) are developing and connecting senior executive nurse leaders across systems and the globe.

As your ICN Chief Nurse, my strategic leadership action plan is to enhance my executive competencies, confidence and contributions by maximizing our nursing and health global influence and impact. Leadership is learned. Intentionally attending to my development helps me to become a better leader. My preparatory academic work focused on tools for personal and professional growth targeting becoming a resonant leader who optimizes cognitive, emotional, and social intelligence to strengthen relationships and sustain effectiveness.

Self-awareness is essential for effective leadership. We have all endured the COVID-19 effects. I was not fully attuned to myself, and slowly slipped into Sacrifice Syndrome from complex stress. I am a local to global leader, clinician, and role model who was not practicing what I preach - not dedicating time for self-care, mindfulness, and reflection. I am remedying this by paving out a balanced action plan after this wake-up opportunity.

Striving to become the best leader I can be, these are my top 5 courageous takeaways that resonated with me to renew, advance and lead our global capacity:

1. Emotional intelligence requires self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relational management competencies - know your strengths, limitations, values, and purpose.
2. Intentional change occurs through conscious effort to build a shared vision and engage people in collective action for a meaningful sustained future.
3. Adopt practices that spark mindfulness, renewal, hope and compassion - positive emotions refuel, energize, and motivate optimism.
4. Lead people to quality, excellence, fulfillment, and meaningful achievements to sustain effectiveness.
5. Build and sustain your professional presence, power and positive relationships and networks.

I continue to strive for resonance, to drive our powerful collective energy and unity for a healthier profession and world.

Thank you all for partnering and your valued contributions. Y

ours in health and nursing, Michelle ICN Chief Nurse, Dr Michelle Acorn, DNP, NP PHC/Adult