Embedding successful change through collaboration

Pandemics, changing demographics, digital advancements, new treatments and political reforms are among the events and changes that affect the healthcare environment. Although change is an inevitable process, it frequently evokes an array of mixed emotions that may even include resistance from staff.

A nurse leader who wants to embed successful change needs to execute change effectively and communicate the vision clearly to the team.

Health care is a dynamic and constantly evolving environment that needs to introduce change effectively. The ability to lead successful change in nursing is important for improving patient outcomes and enhancing staff satisfaction. However, integrating change is challenging and often met with resistance.

This article provides 10 simple tips for nursing leaders who wish to introduce planned change while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

It is important for a nurse leader to understand the context for change to provide a justified reason for introducing any change to the team. This first step is crucial to identify and assess what needs to change. This can be achieved by using Kurt Lewin's force field analysis, a tool described by Shafaghat et al (2021), who argued that this tool can help examine a proposed change, weighing the internal and external forces for it. This will make the change more meaningful and valued.