Thursday, June 17, 2010

Last day of another fantastic ANLI session!

I am blogging live from the final day of the Nashville ANLI! Yesterday was a full day of conflict management, budgeting, safety and quality. Role playing allowed the practical application of the conflict modes. Dave introduced us to the "the really good nurse....but" and everyone in the room seemed to know or work with one. One scenario had the nurse manager talking with "the really good nurse...but". The attendees discussed whether "the really good nurse...but" was really a good nurse if teamwork fell apart or morale suffered when she was scheduled. After that discussion options for conflict management changed. A great discussion with some unexpected solutions.

Budgeting introduced FTE planning using average daily census, hours per patient day and "mose" time. (You will have to come an ANLI or ask someone who has been to one to find out what "mose" time is!!!). Safety and quality rounded out the day. A celebration reception set up out final evening in Nashville and an evening on Broadway.

We added "open mic" into the agenda at the suggestion of the attendees; giving them an opportunity to ask the faculty and each other questions and get more information about key issues. A very successful session and we will incorporate into the ANLI agenda.

Pam is wrapping up the behavioral interviewing session and I need to get ready for my role playing. I will be interviewing an applicant. It is always a surprise who shows up for the interview. I"ll let you know how it goes.

Pam showed up for the interview a great candidate but her "helicopter dad" also showed up! It added just the right amount of humor and a possible true life scenario.

We are wrapping up after a review of the 9 elements of a healthful work environment and cautioning us all to return as shuttles and not rockets.

The attendees are leaving with so much and so am I.

Regards,
M.T. Meadows
AONE director of professional practice

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

ANLI - Nashville: Day 2

The second day of ANLI - Nashville started with the traditional selection of a word by the faculty and one of the attendees. I drew the word willingness from the bowl. The power of willingness was evident throughout the day as the group of 48 attendees from a rich variety of backgrounds and experiences shared the powerful ANLI experience.

Day 2 began with an Insight Inventory presentation by Pam Thompson where attendees explored their styles based on the tool they had completed the night before. I followed with a presentation on creating a collaborative culture between nursing and support services. Most attendees indicated that their organizations have included support services in shared governance at their institutions. I followed that presentation with one on delegation.

After a "taste of Tennessee" for lunch, the afternoon resumed with a presentation on work-life balance. A robust discussion took place about privacy and professional boundaries in the context of social networking.

The day ended with what can only be described as a powerful session on Calling a Circle. I was amazed that a group of people who met just a little over 24 hours before can create a safe place where professional and personal concerns can be shared. I have been privileged to see it work at two ANLI sessions now -- it's simply incredible!

Day 3 is about to begin...more bloggin' tonight or in the morning.

Best regards,

David Marshall, RN
AONE Board - Region 7

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Aspiring Nurse Leader Institute--Nashville

The Aspiring Nurse Leader Institute (ANLI) here in Nashville got off to a great start yesterday afternoon. On the heels of the CMA weekend, 48 attendees arrived in Nashville with high energy and enthusiasm. The group for this institute are from across the country and come from a variety of backgrounds. We have a large number of magnet hospitals represented as well as critical access hospitals and Indian Health Service facilities. But I think what brings everyone together is the shared desire to become better leaders and better navigators around the barriers.

After introductions, and an overview of the Nurse Manager's Skill Inventory, we found that "what keeps them up at night" are dilemmas shared by most everyone. As is the tradition at ANLI we concluded the session with the Blind Square exercise--a leadership challenge not unlike what we face everyday; somewhat vague directions, no beginning clear strategy, chaos and confusion. I will say the volunteers did a great job once the end was found!!!!!!!!!!

The evening concluded with a pizza reception. You might ask why pizza in Nashville; I will admit it was very good (and that comes from a pizza snob from Chicago). I hope everyone is well rested and ready for a full day. Tonight is a free night so we all will be able to taste the best of Nashville. When you get nurses together it really is all about the food.

Joining me as faculty are David Marshall and Pam Thompson. Meredith Paone is the meeting coordinator (making sure we are well fed!). David will blog this evening. Be sure to come back!

Regards,

M.T. Meadows
AONE director of professional practice