Abstract
Assuming the role of an emergency department nurse manager in a completely new environment, Melissa was faced with multiple daily challenges. Although she had worked in several emergency departments and managed several diverse populations, she had never been exposed to the culture she would now lead. The reputation of the facility she was now a part of was quite impressive, and she knew that it had the potential to be even more pronounced in the region, as well as the entire state, if successful changes in practice occurred. Aware of the organizational goals and direction, Melissa attempted to lead her staff to changes that would develop the department and contribute to the overall success of the organization. Many of her staff members resisted all of the changes occurring in their environment, regardless of whether Melissa caused them to occur or not. Some blamed all of their frustrations on Melissa and expressed that the only way the department would improve was by eliminating Melissa. There were many days that Melissa felt her feat was nearly impossible, but she persisted. Despite the resistance and negative behaviors of some of her staff members, Melissa knew she was the change agent who could overcome all obstacles and move this reputable emergency department in the direction it needed to move.