Leadership will provide the nurse with a copy of the

Leadership will provide the nurse with a copy of the points and policy regarding attendance and
change the work schedule allowing the nurse room to make up the weekend days. Although the
nurse was not happy with the outcome, the nurse leader demonstrated the ethical principle of
justices. For this reason, employees respect leaders who stick to the policy and enforces it. The
leader understands no one; no even themselves are above the consequences of their actions.
Leadership promotes autonomy within the healthcare setting by allowing staff to voice their
thoughts and suggestion for improvement or change. The nurse leader ensures an open door
policy, monthly staff meetings, and rounds on the unit. Autonomy allows the nurses to advocate
and be heard. It creates a nurturing work environment, new ideas while holding staff accountable
for their actions and decisions. Here is an example of autonomy. The nurse leader sets up an
interview for a dayshift registered nurse opening. The day of the meeting, the nurse leader invites
staff to participate in the process and suggest feedback from them whether they believe this
person is a good candidate for the unit allowing them to voice their opinion to hire the nurse as a

ROLE OF ETHICS WITHIN LEADERSHIP 5
group effort. Autonomy prevents dictatorship within leadership, by respecting everyone opinions
and making a decision as a group.
Application of Ethical Principle to Own Leadership
One must understand what is required to be a strong leader. By understanding the details
and principle of leadership, I can learn how to improve my skills to help foster a good work
relationship with my employees. Therefore, I will apply the ethical principle of justices and
autonomy to my leadership practices. First, I must understand the importance and impact it has
on myself and others. Therefore, I would incorporate justices into my everyday practices by
ensuring my staff is treated the same regardless of the relationship I have with them. As a nurse
leader, there should be no favorites and disburse the same demeanor, attitude, respect, and
punishment if someone violates policies. The same goes for me if I violate any policies to receive
the same punishment that I am entitled too. No one is above the other. Next, I will incorporate
autonomy into my daily practices by active listening to my staff concerns or new ideas, maintain
an open door policy and suggestion box. I will promote autonomy in the unit by developing a
unit based counsel for staff to come up with ideas to make the unit run efficiently and changes
that can improve patient safety and promote positive outcomes. Autonomy includes the staff to
take part in the decision making process. When nurses have autonomy, they tend to be happier
and have a sense of belonging.