Cultivating effectiveness in your organization

To be truly effective, the occupational and environmental health nurse must possess skills as both a manager and a leader. Effective management results in programs and projects that are likely to be successful, achieve established goals, and meet expectations of the intended recipients. Effective leadership results in individuals who feel valued for their opinions, empowered to act independently, and accountable for setting and achieving personal goals. When these individuals come together to form teams, they create an organization in which the group benefits from the commitment and mutual desire to work toward a shared mission and vision. The nursing process provides an excellent framework for the occupational and environmental health nurse to approach the tasks associated with leading and managing in a rapidly changing, challenging environment. Techniques to be employed are those acquired in formal management training programs and those passed down from experienced mentors. It is incumbent on all occupational and environmental health nurse managers to perfect and use leadership and management skills to positively contribute to organizational effectiveness and, ultimately, employee health and well being.