"Do one thing every day that scares you."   Eleanor Roosevelt By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN A nurse leader recently talked with me about some of her challenges in her organization.  "My nurse leaders are very risk adverse.......they want the evidence for every new innovation and sometimes there just isn't any", she observed.  Overcoming our willingness to take risks … [Read more...]

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN I was reminded this week of how difficult it can be to challenge our "sacred cows" in nursing.  These are ideas or practice that we have held or done for so long that they often go unquestioned.  We have seen with evidence-based practice that we have challenged some of our clinical sacred cows such as instilling normal saline into … [Read more...]

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN I recently had a former employee of mine call me for advice.  He was leaving his position and unsure of how much notice to give.  I asked him what he thought would be reasonable. He replied, "the problem is that I would really like to give a month's notice but my boss acts out every time someone leaves and suggests that they consider leaving … [Read more...]

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN A young nurse leader new to her position recently asked me who she should emulate in her role.  While there are many great leader role models, what ultimately makes a great leader is the ability to be an  authentic person.  As I explained to this young leader, you will be at your best when you are able to leverage your unique strengths and … [Read more...]