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Fundamentals of Nursing

Key Terms

Fundamentals of NursingKey Terms

Key Terms

appreciative inquiry
a theory that builds from what is already working within an organization through four stages of change management: discovery, dream, design, destiny
autocratic leadership
a leadership style characterized by individual control over decisions with little input from team members
board certification
considered an advanced nursing specialty certification where there are more eligibility requirements, such as a higher number of clinical experience hours, more education hours required, and more advanced testing
board of nursing (BON)
a regulatory body tasked with overseeing the practice of nursing within its jurisdiction, typically a state or territory
case manager
a nurse responsible for developing and coordinating care plans for patients with chronic illnesses or other long-term conditions
centralized management
a top-down organizational structure in which higher-ranking managers have authority over lower-ranking managers
Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
a specialty certification designed for nurse leaders who are at the executive level, overseeing the strategic, operational, and financial outcomes in healthcare organizations
Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
a specialty certification designed for nurse leaders in managerial positions who are responsible for the daily operations of a unit or service within a healthcare facility
continuing education (CE)
ongoing educational activities
decentralized management
a diffuse organizational structure in which authority is distributed among a variety of individuals and teams, regardless of rank
delegation
the act of requesting staff members to perform tasks or procedures that are outside of their normal job but within the limits of their job description
democratic leadership
a leadership style that values the input of team members and stakeholders in the decision-making process
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Nursing Education
a specialized degree program that prepares nurses for careers as nurse educators, academic administrators, and leaders in educational institutions
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
a practice-focused doctoral degree that emphasizes advanced clinical practice, leadership in healthcare systems, and evidence-based decision-making
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
a research-focused doctoral degree that emphasizes the generation of new nursing knowledge through rigorous scientific inquiry
interdisciplinary referral
a request by a primary care provider to transfer a patient to a specialist
laissez-faire leadership
a leadership style in which team members receive a high level of autonomy to make decisions, solve problems, and manage their work independently
leadership
the practice of guiding, influencing, and motivating individuals or groups toward achieving a common goal
Lewin’s model for change management
a theory that effective change happens in three intentional steps: unfreezing, moving, refreezing
management
the practice of determining what tasks need to be completed to accomplish a particular goal and ensuring all team members complete those tasks
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
an advanced graduate degree that provides nurses with a higher level of education and specialization in various areas of nursing practice
mentor
an experienced practitioner who serves as a role model or guide for a student or less-experienced colleague
Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)
a board certification designed for nurse leaders who hold key administrative roles and are involved in shaping policies, procedures, and strategies that impact the delivery of care within a unit or team
Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)
a board certification designed for experienced nurse leaders who have moved beyond the management of single units or teams to influence the operations of entire systems or organizations
patient care coordination
organizing a patient’s healthcare needs across providers, settings, and time
planned change
in Lewin’s theory, a deliberate, systematic process for introducing transformation into an organization or system
preceptor
a licensed professional who coaches and supervises students during their clinical rotations
quantum leadership
a leadership style is characterized by adaptability, flexibility, and a focus on fostering innovation in response to rapidly changing healthcare landscapes
scope of practice
defined limits and parameters within which a professional is authorized to work, make decisions, and provide services
servant leadership
a leadership style that prioritizes the needs of team members and fosters a culture of care, empathy, and community
specialty certification
official recognition of a nurse’s expertise in a particular area of nursing
transactional leadership
a leadership style characterized by clear structures and rules, where performance is closely monitored and feedback consists of rewards for meeting objectives or corrective actions for failing to meet them
transformational leadership
a leadership style aimed at inspiring and motivating team members to exceed their own expectations and capabilities
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