Sustaining change

Article Outline

• Copyright

• 
  • View Large Image
  • Download to PowerPoint

Leadership positions provide the opportunity to shape change. Being a change agent is never easy. Assuring that the change is meaningful and structured to achieve the desired results is of paramount importance because having ideas without an implementation plan is ineffective. Regardless of one's tenure in the organization, determining how the change will support overall organizational strategy and analyzing the positive and negative conditions that exist to facilitate or interfere with the change is imperative. Success in achieving the strategy also requires input not just from nursing, but from other departments as well. We all know that the domino effect is significant in the hospital environment. Communicating the reason for the change and its potential impact requires listening to concerns and considering them as part of an overall analysis for determining the best implementation plan. The initial task sounds daunting, but, with no intent to minimize this, I find sustaining change over the long haul to be more challenging.

A perfect example is through examining the essential elements in preparing for and obtaining Magnet status. The work to be accomplished has defined and critically important outcomes, but the strategies to achieve these outcomes vary in different organizations due to a myriad of factors. To simplify, we can identify a few of these as staffing levels, culture, silo versus team mentality, and so forth.

The question remains: once achieved, how does an organization continue to excel and ensure that the desired outcomes are sustainable? In my opinion the following elements are critical for long-term success:

Obviously, this is a not a one-time plan but a continuous process and not for the weak in courage, tenacity, or patience. Sanares et al in this edition of Nurse Leader say it well: “Institutional readiness is a critical factor in creating the conditions necessary to implement a practice culture based on evidence.” Institutional continuous adaptation is the critical factor necessary to sustain that practice environment and the designation of a Magnet hospital.

The fact that more hospitals than ever are achieving Magnet status points to the positive development of leaders in our fields; their wisdom and courage are equally essential to maintain that level of excellence.