Management & Nursing Leadership, Research Paper Example

Task 1

The proposed research study will examine the satisfaction of clinical staff members in the OBGYN department under the direction of the clinical leadership style that has been implemented, as well as the character of the clinical manager. It is known that this leadership style has a substantial impact on nurse retention rates and overall satisfaction in the OBGYN environment. It is expected that there will be different perceptions of clinical leadership and its role in shaping outcomes in the OBGYN department.

The participants selected for the study will include 15 clinical staff members in the OBGYN unit between the ages of 27 and 62. This group is comprised of the following roles: 1) 2 medical assistants, 2) 5 Licensed Vocational Nurses, and 3) 8 Registered Nurses, 2 of whom have earned MSN degrees, 3 who have earned BSN degrees, and 3 who have earned Associate degrees. Therefore, using a cross-sectional survey method, it is anticipated that the study participants will represent a variety of cultures, prior learning experiences, learning styles, and motivation in the clinical work environment.

The problem in question will determine whether or not clinical staff members are satisfied with their clinical leader and the specific leadership style that is currently employed. When clinical staff members are dissatisfied in the workplace and with their leaders, they are more likely to find new employment more frequently than those who are satisfied with these principles. When retention rates are high, they are likely attributed to a combination of factors that may include satisfaction with the clinical leadership approach. However, when retention rates are low, there appears to be a problem or concern regarding the clinical leadership style that reduces employee satisfaction and limits progress within the clinical department, thereby threatening patient outcomes.

The proposed research question is as follows: What is the effect of varying leadership and management styles on the clinical staff in the OG/GYN department? Based upon this research question, the data to be collected in the study will take place over eight weeks involving the 15 selected participants. In addition, the study questionnaire will address a number of questions regarding participant work ethic, job satisfaction, and opinion of the immediate supervisor. This survey will include five questions, and all data that is collected will be captured using Microsoft Excel. All participants are de-identified, and descriptive statistics and specifically, linear regression, will be used to tabulate the data. Furthermore, a secondary analysis will include the dichotomization of responses to the questionnaire. The intent of this data collection process is to determine if staff responses to the questionnaire are associated with a specific leadership style.

Task 2

Informed Consent Form Template

[name of program]

[project name]

[researcher’s name]

Introduction You are invited to participate in a research project that is being conducted by a student researcher from the university. The student is conducting research in order to determine if there is a relationship between clinical staff satisfaction, retention rates, and leadership style.

Description of the Project: Describe the nature of the research and what it will entail including:

• The project will address the importance of leadership style on clinical staff satisfaction and retention rates.
• The student is participating in an advanced nursing course.
• The research project will take place in the OBGYN department and will require eight weeks.
• All students are expected to actively participate in all routine classroom activities and requirements.
• The participant will be required to complete a questionnaire regarding satisfaction and retention rates relative to leadership.

Benefits and Risks of this Study: The study will demonstrate the importance of an effective leadership style in supporting improved clinical staff satisfaction rates and increased retention rates in the OBGYN setting and will determine if these factors might transform leadership in a positive manner. There are no real risks associated with this study.

Confidentiality: The participant data will be randomized and will be de-identified so no personal information will be shared. The utmost confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal: All participation on the study is strictly voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time. Participants may also withdraw from non-regular classroom instruction at any time and will not be penalized for non-participation.

Questions, Rights and Complaints: In case of questions or concerns, the researcher may be contacted as follows:

Name

Phone Number

Email address

All participants and legal guardians have a right to obtain the results of the study for their own review.

Consent Statement: By signing this informed consent, study participants agree to partake in the research project and survey.

________________________                              _______________________

Signature of Participant                                               Signature of Legal Guardian

_________________________                           _______________________

Typed/Printed Name                                                   Typed/Printed Name

__________________________                         ________________________

Date                                                                                    Date

***

University

Institutional Review Board

Application for Approval of Research Project

Directions to the candidate:  Please complete each portion of this application, attach necessary documentation, and click submit.

Name:                                                                                      Student ID Number:

Title of prospectus:

WGU E-mail address:                                                               Degree / Discipline

1. The research method will encompass a cross-sectional approach that will be conducted over an eight week period. The proposed research question is as follows:

• What is the effect of varying leadership and management styles on the clinical staff in the OG/GYN department?
• This study requires human subject participation in order to obtain the perspectives of clinical staff members who work under a clinical leader with a specific leadership style.

1. The study questionnaire will address a number of questions regarding participant work ethic, job satisfaction, and opinion of the immediate supervisor in the clinical setting. This survey will include five questions.
2. All data that is collected will be captured using Microsoft Excel. All participants are de-identified, and descriptive statistics and specifically, linear regression, will be used to tabulate the data.
3. The participants selected for the study will include 15 clinical staff members in the OBGYN unit between the ages of 27 and 62.
4. No participant will be classified or chosen from any type of vulnerable population.
5. The study involves minimal risk for all participants, and no children will be involved.
6. Risk will be minimized because there is no physical aspect to the study. The questionnaire is the primary step associated with the study.
7. All patients will be anonymous because all data will be de-identified during the recording and storage processes.
8. Informed consent will be addressed and will identify the required criteria accordingly. To be specific, the research study will determine if there is a relationship between job satisfaction and retention rates relative to leadership style. The researcher is a student conducting a research project as required by her curriculum. Each participant must participate for a period of eight weeks. Study participation is voluntary and may be terminated at any time in the study. The risks of the study are minimal, and confidentiality is of the utmost importance at all stages and will include the de-identification of data. There are no conflicts of interest with the tasks required of the study. Parental consent is not required because the study does not involve minors.
9. If your research study requires access to members of organizations, agencies, school districts, etc., please attach an official letter of permission from the institution(s) where you will be conducting your research. Not applicable