WOCNCB's President on Leadership
Dear WOCNCB Members and Colleagues:
I was recently asked what one attribute a Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse must have to be successful. It was an interesting question to contemplate. Our role is so multifaceted and continually changing that identifying the most critical attribute took some consideration. After identifying, deliberating, and discarding one important attribute about another, I was convinced that there was only one correct answer: Leadership.
One of the first attributes I considered was a firm grasp on the current knowledge base within the chosen specialties. Without a strong foundation of knowledge, a successful practice would be impossible. A strong didactic base is critical, as is the need to keep current with the changing science. An exemplary CWOCN starts his or her practice with a strong nursing base that bridges from the perspective of a generalist to that of a specialist engaged in the lifelong process of advancing that knowledge base with evolving research. However, knowledge alone is insufficient.
The ability to skillfully blend of the best of science with the best of the art of nursing is another critical attribute. As important as it is to know the material, the real test is being able to demonstrate what you have learned with patients. Being able to convert the knowledge into actual practice is the process by which we develop clinical expertise. The blending of didactic knowledge with a strong clinical base is something that every certified nurse offers to patients, their healthcare partners and administrators every day. With this combination of knowledge and skills, certified nurses are able to practice successfully in their routine daily assignments. However, in our roles, we seldom enjoy routine days!
I also considered natural curiosity which drives all of us to learn and do more. The pathway to learning may be through formal education, attendance at conferences or independent learning; nevertheless, our journey to know more is never done. I thought about the importance of having a quirky sense of humor. The ability to maintain a sense of humor helps us cope with the challenges that we share with patients and the stresses involved in working in a very demanding job. I also considered the value in maintaining a strong sense of compassion. With so many patients and families, our compassion is what is remembered most.
From a management aspect, I had to weigh the inherent value of being able to multi-task and triage conflicting priorities that all need our attention immediately. I also considered how skilful time management is critical for our success at work and our success in balancing our personal lives with our chosen work life.
All these and even more important elements contribute to our success . Together they make each of us stronger and more capable. However, the underlying and overriding principle that is most important to developing a successful practice is leadership. Leadership drives us to do more, to care more, to expect more of ourselves and others. Leadership makes us willing to accept the difficult challenges that we face with courage and calm. It helps us to fight against overwhelming odds to help others. Leadership is what shapes the future for all of us.
Diana Gallagher, MS, RN, CWOCN, CFCN, CHT
WOCNCB President
