ONS Connect - May 2008 - (Page 16)

UpClOSE&prOfESSiONAl Oncology Nurses Share What They Value in a Leader [By camille A. servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN ®, CCRP, Contributing Editor] Lynne Rossier, RN Beth Gouge, RN eth Gouge, RN, clinical nurse in oncology at Memorial Health System in Colorado Springs, CO, says that leadership skills are necessary in her position. “I help the new nurses on the floor with organizational skills and show them how to perform a task they haven’t yet mastered.” Lynne Rossier, RN, OCN ®, oncology staff RN for Cancer Care Associates in Royal Oak, MI, has worked in management in the past, in long-term care as well as in human resources. “Although I am not currently in a management role,” Lynne says, “I believe we all use leadership skills daily, whether or not we are in a leadership role. In nursing there can be difficult personalities to manage; there is a constant need to prioritize tasks and perfect time-management skills, motivate patients and staff, and negotiate.” In a leader, Lynne says, “I value honesty, willingness to ‘role up the sleeves and pitch in,’ and patience. Good communication skills are imperative to keep the team up to date with policy and procedures changes.” Beth values “a mentor who wants me to succeed and someone who wants to get to know me as well as my strengths and 16 ONS CONNECT B weaknesses. I appreciate a leader who suggests and plans attainable goals. I admire a leader who listens and is honest, caring, kind, and patient. “My manager wants me to succeed,” Beth says. “She has suggested classes and encourages cross training on other units to foster my oncology nursing skills. The manager wants me to be safe and visualize the big picture.” Lynne’s manager is “great for helping out when we are busy. We hold weekly nurse meetings to discuss various issues, some related to nursing and others regarding the entire practice. I appreciate this communication.” Beth says that she is not interested in a management position at this point in her life. Lynne, however, says, “At some point, I would love to continue my education and return to management, but right now, I wish to focus on patient care.” ✱ Contributing Editor Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN ®, CCRP, is an RN coordinator/project director for the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at the Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office. MAY 2008

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ONS Connect - May 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In ONS Leadership Development Institute A Year in the Life - Month Five Web Content Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Put Evidence Into Practice to Prevent and Manage Constipation in Patients With Cancer Giant Database Allows Scientists to Share Information Calendar of Events Working for You Staying on Top

ONS Connect - May 2008

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