Nurse leaders apply Lean concept

The Lean concept Leader Standard Work (LSW) represents a framework for helping leaders and organizations implement sustainable change to improve efficiencies, leadership effectiveness and, ultimately, patient care. An article in the June issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration explained the key concepts of LSW: calendar alignment, visual management tools, and walks that allow leaders to observe their teams at work. The authors contended hospitals and nursing leaders should consider LSW as a tool for implementing change and positively affecting culture and outcomes. “This approach is a driver for leadership success through continuous process improvement and is applicable to all leaders regardless of their organizational level,” they wrote.