Answer the questions below, after reading the case study. Be prepared to discuss.
You were recently hired as the nurse manager of a step-down unit where Kay is the night shift charge nurse. She has been in this position for 13 years. Even though the care of her patients is very good, interactions with the other staff nurses on the shift are less than satisfactory. Her approach with the staff she oversees is often abrupt, and she will not give a second thought to telling them they are lazy. Because the staff cannot be “accountable or responsible on their own,” Kay feels that she must closely supervise their work. In addition, Kay appears to be a generally unhappy person.
You already informally counseled Kay about a month ago regarding her behavior after her coworkers reported these incidents to you. You have also recently learned that the previous manager had been aware of the situation, but tried to avoid the problem, and finally put in a request to transfer to another unit.
Now, Kay is beginning to intimidate the three newly hired graduate nurses. They feel that Kay does not trust them and insists on checking everything they do and are considering transferring to another unit.
Case Study Questions
1. Which management theory and/or theorist does Kay illustrate and why? Which may be more desirable to apply to this situation?
2. Which leadership theory and/or theorist does Kay illustrate and why? Which may be more desirable to apply to this situation?
3. How would you, as the manager of this shift, help to develop Kay’s leadership, management and supervisory skills?
4. What are some more desirable leadership traits to develop in Kay?
