Volunteering at a Nursing Home Project

Introduction

The DH 403 Leadership Project helped me help the community and demonstrate my leadership abilities. Throughout this project, I was capable of utilizing my strengths. In this paper, I will identify my strengths, as diagnosed by the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment, and mirror how I leveraged these strengths during the planning and implementation of the project. StrengthsFinder 2.0 is a book and evaluation tool Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton created to assist individuals in perceiving their top 5 innate strengths (Comer et al., 2019). The idea of this book is to shift the focus from improving weaknesses to building and using strengths. The evaluation is designed to identify an individual’s most dominant strengths out of 34 themes. These strengths are categorized into four categories: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking. Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses is critical for accomplishing fulfilment and excellence. Often, individuals try and improve their weaknesses, which can result in mediocrity.

However, by figuring out and using one’s strengths, individuals can excel in their areas of knowledge. The StrengthsFinder evaluation identifies an individual’s skills and enables them to recognize how to leverage them to acquire their desires. The importance of identifying strengths is emphasized in this book, as people generally tend to overlook their strengths and cognizance of enhancing their weaknesses. However, people can attain extra success and pride in their private and expert lives by understanding and using one’s strengths. This evaluation presents people with the ability to perceive and harness their capabilities to attain their full ability. By specializing in strengths, people can best enhance their own lives and make an advantageous impact on their communities and the sector. This paper will offer insights and reviews from my participation in the project and summarize key takeaways from the encounter.

Strengths Assessment Process

Before delving into my project and its consequences, it is important to recognize the technique behind the StrengthsFinder 2.0 evaluation and its relevance in figuring out a person’s strengths. The method at the back of the StrengthsFinder 2.0 evaluation is based on positive psychology, which specializes in building on a person’s strengths instead of solving weaknesses. The assessment is based on years of research designed to discover an individual’s five most dominant strengths out of 34 themes. These strengths are categorized into four extensive classes: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking. The manner of taking the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment is straightforward. Upon shopping for the book, the reader is directed to an internet evaluation that usually takes half an hour to complete. The assessment consists of statements and asks the reader to choose options that describe them. Once the evaluation is finished, the reader receives their five strengths and certain descriptions of each energy. Identifying one’s strengths is sizable because these strengths are innate capabilities that come naturally to a character. By knowing and utilizing those strengths, individuals can excel personally and professionally. Moreover, knowing one’s strengths can also assist in becoming aware of growth and development areas. Individuals can gain extra success and pride by specializing in strengths.

Project Description

The leadership project was volunteering at a nursing home. As a dentistry pupil, I desired to help my community by contributing to the well-being of older adults. My role in the mission was to plan for the whole project, facilitate communication with the nursing home, recruit volunteers, and oversee the venture’s implementation. For this mission, I created a manual for the volunteers, with statistics on the nursing home, its citizens, and suggestions for volunteering.

Project Materials

I also made a brochure highlighting the significance of volunteering at nursing homes and encouraging others to participate in similar activities. The brochures and publications were used to tell the institution’s individuals and the scholars who had volunteered for the assignment. For the task, I created a guide for the volunteers, which blanketed facts about the nursing home, its residents, and tips for volunteering. I furthermore made a brochure highlighting the importance of volunteering at nursing homes and inspiring others to participate in similar occasions. The materials were used to train the volunteers and increase their knowledge about the assignment.

Project Planning and Development

This assignment’s goals had been to help older adults, brighten their day, and contribute to their health. The targets had been to prepare a successful occasion and interact with at least twenty volunteers. The procedures to achieve the objectives were contacting the nursing home, growing informational substances for the volunteers, and recruiting college students from my college to participate in the venture. The audience for this mission becomes the elderly residents of the nursing home and fellow students interested in volunteering. The timeline for the project changed into one month, which covered two weeks for planning and advertisement and two weeks for the actual occasion. During the planning stage, I contacted the nursing home and obtained permission for our mission. I also contacted college students via social media and flyers on campus. During the implementation level, I targeted coordinating with the nursing home and organizing the tasks for the volunteers to interact with the residents.

Implementation

I applied numerous techniques to ensure its success during the project’s implementation. Firstly, I contacted the nursing home and communicated nicely with the workforce in advance. That helped in gaining their cooperation and guidance for the venture. Secondly, I created informational materials to teach and interact with the volunteers. These materials included a guide that furnished facts about the nursing home and its citizens and recommendations for volunteering. Additionally, I applied social media and flyers to inform students and recruit volunteers. That helped unfold the information about the task and generate interest among capability volunteers. I targeted growing enthusiasm and a welcoming environment for the volunteers and citizens during the event. That entailed enticing the volunteers into numerous activities designed to interact and form connections with the residents. I ensured easy coordination between the volunteers and the nursing home team, ensuring the assignment was accomplished considering the residents’ preferences

Reflection on Leadership Skills Used During Planning and Implementation.

During the planning and implementation of this venture, I got the opportunity to use various leadership abilities. These abilities have been aligned with many of my top five strengths, and I become able to leverage them to make my venture successful.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

This strength is characterized by the capability to surely and efficaciously communicate, construct relationships, and connect with others. People strong on this strength are adept at expressing themselves, listening, and building rapport with others (Reyes & Nelly, 2022). I utilized it during the project, from speaking with the nursing home personnel to interacting with the volunteers and residents. My potential to communicate effectively helped build trust and instil the right relationships with the humans inside the organization. I used my communication capabilities to keep volunteers and citizens informed and engaged. I became receptive and empathetic throughout my interactions with others to leverage my verbal exchange and interpersonal abilities. Moreover, I listened attentively and gave the volunteers easy and concise instructions. That helped create an extraordinary and healthful working environment, contributing to the venture’s success.

Ability to Share a Clear Vision and Inspire Others Around Them

This strength is characterized by the capability to articulate thoughts and inspire others to follow them. People adept at this skill are professional at speaking their message and motivating others to work with them to pursue a common goal. I utilized this strength by sharing my vision for the assignment with the volunteers and encouraging them to participate in this initiative. I additionally shared the idea with the nursing domestic workforce, highlighting the importance of the project and its impact on the residents. I communicated my message with courage and enthusiasm to leverage my ability to provide a clear vision and inspire others. I also recommended that others give their thoughts and opinions, creating an environment of collaboration and shared vision for some volunteers. That helped to ensure all people were motivated and participated in the activities.

A Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm

People strong on this skill have a fantastic outlook on life and are enthusiastic, optimistic, and resilient. They are professional at locating the good in any state of affairs and infusing others with strength and positivity (Afewerk et al., 2022). I applied my effective attitude and enthusiasm to create a warm and alluring environment for the volunteers and the citizens. I wanted to keep the volunteers prompted and engaged during the mission by maintaining a nice mindset. During the project, I showcased positivity and encouragement to leverage my enthusiasm and positive attitude.

Integrity

This skill is characterized by honesty, trustworthiness, and strong moral values. People strong in this skill are dependable and real to their values and attempt to maintain their conduct as ethically acceptable (Benson, 2020). I applied this strength by ensuring all assignment components were accomplished honestly and transparently. That helped me leverage my communication skills with the nursing home workers, in which I became obvious and honest about the project’s targets and activities. That helped build trust and credibility with the nursing home staff and the volunteers. To leverage my integrity, I always reminded myself of the significance of honesty and moral behaviour in all project elements.

Competence

This strength is characterized by the capacity to strive for excellence and provide high-quality services to the target population. People adept at this skill are required to provide excellent work and are supposed to be efficient and effective in their moves. I utilized my competence to supervise the mission in planning and execution, ensuring the project was performed successfully and efficiently. I ensured the mission was nicely planned and achieved by striving for excellence and providing top-notch services. I become organized and centred on accomplishing tasks to leverage my competence.

Problem Solving Capabilities

This skill is characterized by using someone’s capacity to perceive and solve troubles, bring innovative answers, and take motion to resolve difficult conditions. People sturdy on this electricity are natural at finding methods to tackle limitations and offering a potential solution in difficult conditions. I applied this energy by being prepared for challenges while conducting the project. In the strategy planning stage, I expected possible barriers and evolved contingency plans to address them. To leverage my problem-solving skills, I remained calm and focused when faced with demanding situations. I also encouraged brainstorming and collaboration among the institution’s workers and other students who had volunteered in the nursing home.

Reflection on the Overall Experience of the Project

Participating in the DH 403 Leadership Project became an enriching experience that allowed me to apply my leadership capabilities in an actual clinical setting. This challenge taught me the importance of using one’s strengths to be triumphant. I also pointed out the strength of conversation and how it can make or wreck a project. By engaging with the aged residents, I learned the importance of empathy and how small acts of kindness can drastically impact a person’s day. Moreover, the venture allowed me to create awareness amongst my friends about the significance of volunteering and making a high-quality difference in the lives of others. It additionally allowed me to collaborate with people with equal dreams and work towards accomplishing the set dreams.

The complete assignment was pleasurable, and I was happy that I had become capable of becoming aware of my strengths and enhancing them. One of the important takeaways from this undertaking modified the importance of powerful verbal exchange and its function in building relationships and growing nice working surroundings. I became capable of improving my communication competencies by running carefully with the residents and my fellow college students. The method became beneficial when considering that excellent verbal exchange competencies are essential in my career. I improved my management skills during the challenge by having a clear vision and putting clean desires. I could lead others to paintings with enthusiasm and a nice mindset. Utilizing the talent that evolved from the assignment, I can work with my fellow professionals and professionals from numerous healthcare fields to improve first-rate vices and average-affected person results.

Conclusion

The DH 403 Leadership Project has given me an eventful learning revel in, further reaffirming the importance of specializing in strengths and utilizing them to prevail. This project has taught me the fee of effective communication, easy vision, powerful mindset, integrity, competence, and trouble-fixing abilities in control. By leveraging those strengths, I was able to overcome various challenges and create a helpful impact on the elderly citizens, and that made the project successful. Moving forward, I concur that improving one’s strengths is an ongoing technique that calls for normal reflection, self-recognition, and practice. Reflecting on my experience, I can enhance and expand my strengths to become a successful leader. It is also crucial to consider that it is vital to encourage and assist others to discover and make use of their strengths, as it can result in personal and professional growth. My recommendation to others on leveraging their strengths could be first to identify their strengths using the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. Once those strengths are recognized, people can mirror their assignments and recognize how they have applied them. By specializing in and practising their strengths, people can become more self-conscious and live a more comfortable and successful life where everyone knows their capabilities.

References

‌Afewerk, S., Tesfaye, E., Kebede, A., & Endeshaw, D. (2022). Attitude and its associated factors towards the nursing profession among BSc nursing students learning at governmental universities in Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia, 2021. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 18, 100521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2022.100521

Benson, M. (2020). Integrity Is a Core Value in the OST Experience for Youth. Afterschool Matters; National Institute on Out-of-School Time. Wellesley Centers for Women, p. 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481. Tel: 781-283-2547; Fax: 781-283-3657; e-mail: niost@wellesley.edu; Web site: http://www.niost.org. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1258510

Comer, R. D., Schweiger, T. A., & Shelton, P. (2019). Impact of Students’ Strengths, Critical Thinking Skills and Disposition on Academic Success in the First Year of a PharmD Program. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 83(1). https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe6499

Jennifer Rojas Reyes, & Nelly, L. (2022). Concept Analysis of Interpersonal Skills in Nursing*. Aquichan, 22(1). https://www.redalyc.org/journal/741/74171100003/html/