Create a journal from your experience after shadowing an executive director or a director of nursing ( DON) of a healthcare organization or facility

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Create a journal from your experience after shadowing an executive director or a director of nursing ( DON) of a healthcare organization or facility. What did you learn from these individuals, and how were they able to handle the organization’s daily affairs? Explain in detail how a conflict between employees and patients, employees and another employee, and employees and patients’ family members are handled by directors of an organization

SAMPLE ANSWER

Journal Entry:

I had the opportunity to shadow the Director of Nursing (DON) at a local healthcare facility for a week, and it was an eye-opening experience. The DON I shadowed was responsible for overseeing the nursing staff and ensuring that patients received quality care. I learned a lot from her about the daily operations of the facility and the challenges that come with managing a team of healthcare professionals.

One of the key things that stood out to me during my shadowing experience was the DON’s ability to handle conflicts between employees and patients. When conflicts arose, the DON would always take a patient-centered approach and make sure that the patient’s needs were being met. She would also take the time to listen to both sides of the conflict and try to find a solution that was fair to everyone involved.

For example, one day during my shadowing experience, an employee became frustrated with a patient who was refusing to follow their care plan. The employee raised their voice, which caused the patient’s family member to become upset. The DON quickly stepped in and separated the two parties. She listened to the employee’s concerns and then spoke with the patient and their family member to find out why they were refusing the care plan. The DON was able to find a compromise that satisfied both parties and ensured that the patient’s needs were being met.

I also observed the DON handling conflicts between employees. In one instance, two nurses were arguing over a patient’s care plan. The DON met with both nurses separately and listened to their concerns. She then brought them together and facilitated a discussion where they were able to come to an agreement on the care plan. The DON made sure that both nurses were on the same page before ending the meeting.

In situations where conflicts could not be resolved between employees, the DON would escalate the issue to higher management. She stressed the importance of maintaining a professional work environment and how conflicts can impact patient care.

Overall, my shadowing experience with the Director of Nursing was an invaluable learning opportunity. I was able to observe firsthand how conflicts between employees and patients, employees and other employees, and employees and patients’ family members are handled in a healthcare organization. The DON’s ability to remain calm and focused during difficult situations was impressive, and I learned a lot from her about the importance of effective communication and problem-solving skills in healthcare leadership.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000