Chapter 27

Role Transition

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Objectives

Construct the full scope of a managers role using the ROLES framework. Analyze specific examples of role transition as a staff nurse and a nurse manager. Describe the phases of role transition. Construct a response to an unexpected role transition. Compare strategies to facilitate successful role transition.
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Role Transitions
Organizations play a key role in assisting employees through role transitions. Ewens indicates that role stress can occur when the workplace does not provide the scope and flexibility for integration of new identities.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Transitions

Big societal transitions are usually accompanied by some support in society. Even a change in job usually involves some farewell parties.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Marking Transitions

What transition markers occur when you:

Get engaged Get married Have a baby (or have the fifth baby) Get divorced Lose a job Graduate from school Move from one employer to another

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Transitions
Changes in roles can be either painful or exciting, depending largely on the work culture and support provided.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Intertwining Roles

Lead Follow Manage

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Leader, Manager, Follower Roles

Leader

Interacts with: Peers Interacts with: Persons being supervised Administrators Supervisors Regulating agencies Interacts with: Supervisor Peers
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Manager

Follower

ROLES
Responsibilities Opportunities Lines of communication Expectations Support

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Responsibilities
Each position has specific tasks for which the position holder is responsible.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Opportunities
Possibilities represent opportunities for a manager to influence organizational and unit goals.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Lines of Communication

Roles incorporate patterns of structured interaction between the manager and people in these groups. The nurse manager receives and sends messages.

Being a skillful listener can be more important than being skillful in sending messages. Skill is required to effectively communicate both the content and the intent of the message; only through practice can one develop skill.
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Expectations
Clear expectations = Less role confusion

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Support

All roles are shaped to some degree by the support and services others provide. Each role has some available support. When a new position is being considered, it is important to evaluate whether support is available in areas in which a manager may lack knowledge or skill.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Benefits of Mentoring
Mentor Stimulate new ideas
Development Self-awareness Enlarging colleague pool New relationships

Mentee One-to-one relationship

Advice on career development Enlarged network Self-confidence Insight into organization

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Making Transitions

When the transition is a bad one When the transition is a good one

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Making Transitions (contd)

Good Transitions

Bad Transitions

Praise the predecessor. Acknowledge the team. Celebrate the good deeds. Be public.

Do not demean the predecessor; do not cover up. Focus on the future and the immediate steps that will happen. Create the team. Be silent, apologize, and move on.
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Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Promoting Success

Recognize, use, and strengthen the internal resources of commitment, character, selfrespect, and flexibility. Negotiate the role. Seek a mentor, sponsor, or coach. Get education.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Roles
Making a smooth transition to the next role you assume depends on your personal strengths and abilities and on capitalizing on the strengths and resources of the organization.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Phases of Role Transition

Role preview Role acceptance Role exploration Role discrepancy Role development Role internalization

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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