Personal Narrative: A Career As A Professional Nurse

Jodi-Recently I got promoted into a leadership position because of my high level of achievement and proficiency as an RN. Moreover, I am very social and have a moderate need for affiliation. Although, the clinical staff view me as a professional and competent, I have a reputation of being "chill" and "laid-back." A chill and laid-back persona make you overly familiar. I wish I were the task master! I wish the need for achievement has bumped me out of the graces of others. Nursing is a profession focused solely on patient care and being proficient at skills. Before, I did not have to manage productivity or worry about others. There was a danger in building the relationships in the way I did with humor, kindness, and likeability. Now, in my new
position the efforts to influence behavior backfire. Although, I am a leader and a senior clinical staff, I find myself being challenged by some of the newer RNs. In the light of all these issues, I have only been in my new position for about two months. Already, I have made changes to be the person needed and the one perceived for the new role. I have gradually started the path on building influential relationships with coworkers without confusing them about who I am and what my role is.