Purpose:

The purpose of this presentation is to describe a transdisciplinary approach to teaching values-based leadership to advanced practice nurses.

Significance:

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are in a prime leadership position to role-model values-based decision making to other healthcare providers. A transdisciplinary approach can be used as a means to enhance interaction with other disciplines within the healthcare setting.

Design:

Values-based leadership is a method of authentic decision making that builds trust and commitment between employees and customers based on the values of an individual. Values-based decision making is becoming the preferred decision-making mode in business, yet it has not been widely integrated into healthcare settings. A transdisciplinary approach to values-based leadership provides the opportunity to interface with other disciplines as a means to achieve a broader identification of personal values that can be used as a basis for decision making in the workplace.

Methods:

A seminar format was used to teach values-based leadership content to postmasteral advanced practice nurses. Faculty for the seminar included a CNS faculty member, a nurse practitioner faculty member, and a religious studies faculty member. A transdisciplinary approach was used as a framework for the seminar. This approach requires a high level of communication among all participants and recognizes the unique expertise of all; the role of expert is fluid and includes not only the faculty but also the students. Group activities and individual reflections were integrated throughout the seminar.

Findings:

The seminar received favorable reviews from both faculty and students. Plans are to offer the seminar on a yearly basis.

Conclusions:

Values-based leadership has a role in healthcare. Clinical nurse specialists are positioned to model values-based leadership to others. A transdisciplinary teaching approach results in a wide variety of perspectives to achieve individual values clarification.

Implications for Practice:

Values can be used as a basis for decision making in complex situations, such as those encountered in the healthcare setting. Teaching values-based leadership results in a translation of this skill into practice. Using a transdisciplinary approach encourages interactions and communication among disciplines.