I have always had the desire to play tennis but never had the opportunity. A few months ago, I was thinking about that and realized my mother was not going to sign me up as I had always hoped. The decision to learn how to play and engage in the game was my decision and would require that I take action. I can say today that I have been playing for 3 months now.
My question for you is-do you have a passion to be a leader? Do you consider yourself a leader? What does it take to be a good leader? When you think of a leader, who immediately comes to mind?
John C. Maxwell simply defines a leader as anyone who directs a group. Isn't that what nursing is all about? I see nurses at the bedside directing patients and families, at the unit desk directing patient care, in committees investing in development, and at the board table providing transparent accountability. Each of us works with others daily to accomplish the tasks at hand as a group.
Leadership does not come simply because of a title but also because of a choice. An educated choice requires an assessment of our traits, desire, and willingness to grow.
Some questions to ask yourself may include:
* Do I have effective communication skills?
* Am I competent?
* Do I have discernment?
* Am I generous?
* Do I take initiative?
* Would others describe me as charismatic?
* What am I passionate about?
* Do I have a good attitude?
* Can I see the possibilities in a situation rather than just the obstacles?
* Am I a problem solver?
* Do I have vision and am I able to get others to share that vision?
* Do I have courage?
* Am I self-disciplined?
* Am I a problem solver?
* Am I motivated and what motivates me?
The Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) is committed to developing nurse leaders and to providing leadership opportunities. That commitment is for all nurses from those at the bedside to those in the board room. Specific opportunities available include:
* Mentoring Program
* Leadership Institute
* Committee Membership
* Special Interest Group involvement
* Journal of Trauma Nursing
* Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses
* Optimal Trauma Center Organization and Management Course
* Annual conference
* Collaborations with Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, American Trauma Society, Trauma Center Association of America
* Speakers Bureau
* Research Foundation
Hesitation to embracing leadership may be due to the resistance to increase responsibilities and accountability, not knowing how to get started, or a fear of failure. You may believe someone else will step up so why would anyone want to follow me. It may take more courage than you think you have. One strong organization value of the STN is that the desire members have to mentoring and serving a long side one another.
If you are a new member to the STN, check out the New Members Community on the ListServe.
It was recently created to orient you to the organization and to provide a means of communication with active members.
To reach the vision of being the premiere global nursing organization across the trauma continuum requires strong leadership and an investment of its membership.