Leadership
This type of nursing leadership is demonstrated when the nurse explains the meaning of palliative care in clear, culturally sensitive language to reduce fear and misunderstanding for Mr. Lee and his wife.
This reflects which type of leadership?
Informal Leadership
The nurse is using bedside influence, not positional authority, to change understanding and reduce stigma around what palliative care means
During a meeting with Mr. Lee and his wife, the nurse explains what palliative care means in simple, culturally appropriate language, checks their understanding, and provides written and verbal resources to help them make informed decisions.
Which 2 CNO competencies can be seen here?
Communicator & Educator
Communicator: Uses clear, empathetic, culturally sensitive language to ensure understanding.
Educator: Provides teaching that supports informed decision-making.
Aligns with a palliative approach by reducing fear and empowering patients and families.
The charge nurse notices that staff are unsure how to discuss palliative care in non–end-of-life terms and proposes a team huddle or educational training to improve consistency in understanding.
This reflects which type of leadership?
Formal Leadership
Comes from having an assigned position of authority within an organization, where decision-making power and responsibility are clearly defined. Illustrates systems-level leadership that extends beyond bedside care, aiming to improve team education and patient outcomes.
Seeing that Mrs. Lee may struggle with her own health, the nurse arranges home supports, follow-up appointments, and a palliative care team to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of both Mr. and Mrs. Lee.
Which 2 CNO competencies can be seen here?
Coordinator & Collaborator
Collaborator: Works with the interprofessional team to ensure holistic care.
Coordinator: Organizes services, appointments, and community supports to maintain continuity.
Supports palliative care by promoting independence, reducing caregiver strain, and improving quality of life.
The nurse notices Mr. Lee becoming quiet and withdrawn during the discussion about dialysis and gently pauses the conversation to ask, “Can you tell me what worries you the most right now?”, giving him space to express his fears and values.
This reflects which type of leadership?
Informal Leadership
The nurse is using awareness, empathy, and timing to guide the direction of care. Rooted in therapeutic communication and respect for the patient's emotional experience. It aligns with a palliative approach by prioritizing meaning, goals, and comfort before treatment decisions.
The nurse notices that Mr. Lee seems confused after starting a new pain medication. She carefully reviews his medications, monitors his symptoms, and works with the nephrologist to adjust the pain plan so he remains safe and comfortable.
Which CNO competencies can be seen here?
Clinician
Demonstrates assessment, clinical judgment, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Directly supports symptom management and quality of life within a palliative care framework