Question

Matthew is completing his first year of employment as an RN on a medical-surgical unit. A new graduate has just started her orientation on his unit. He found her crying in the patient lounge stating, "I can't do this. This is just not like we learned in school." What response from Matthew demonstrates his leadership skill?

Answer 1

Matthew demonstrates leadership by empathizing with the new graduate nurse's distress, encouraging communication, and providing practical assistance, which helps in her transition from schooling to the reality of nursing on a medical-surgical unit.

Step-by-step explanation:

Matthew is positioned to demonstrate his leadership skills by offering support and wisdom to the new graduate nurse. An example of a supportive response might be, "Starting your career as an RN can be incredibly overwhelming, but remember that every experienced nurse was once in your shoes. It's okay to feel this way, and I assure you, it gets better. Let's talk about what you're finding difficult and figure out how we can tackle this together."

This approach shows empathy, encourages open communication, and offers practical assistance, which are all key aspects of strong leadership. It is common for new graduates to struggle with the transition from theory to practice, and receiving guidance from more seasoned colleagues like Matthew can be invaluable. By taking the time to listen and mentor, Matthew not only aids the new nurse in her current emotional distress but also helps to cultivate a supportive work environment.