Reflecting on my interview with David, I felt that I learned so much, specifically about the role of a nurse practitioner and a nurse anesthetist. I was shocked at just how much of a leadership role David had, and also to learn about how much support is available to you in this field of work. David talked a lot about having ample support for the great group of professional providers that he surrounds himself with but also a lot of support from both local and state leaders and organizations that he feels are readily available to him at any time. 

I felt that my interview with David reinforced my views of him as a great nurse leader.  I feel that David has many qualities that I would look for in a leader including great self-awareness and also social awareness when it comes to creating his leadership style. When I asked David how he would go about managing conflict he was very aware of the social role and stated how conflict can be very damaging to the patient care role, he also said that he tries to avoid resorting to this but if he must make a decision to resolve a conflict, he will accept full responsibility for both the decisions and the outcomes of his decisions, which I think makes him very self-aware. Thankfully, David says that he has not had to do this very often. He mentioned how he oversees two departments both Chief of Surgery and Chief of the Department of Anesthesia. He said that it can be challenging to manage two very related, yet very separate departments and to create and support rules for both. He said as a leader that he has to remain very fluid for the benefit of both departments and most importunately for the benefit of the patients that they serve and protect. David spoke of how when he accepted both of these roles that this was maybe one of his greatest hurdles ads s nurse leader. He said many people were skeptical of a position that was once run by physicians now being led by as nurse practitioner, and that it raised a lot of concern among fellow providers. He said that he did not become a leader overnight and that for him a steady policy management practice proved to be what worked best for him and also being a great listener. 

David truly loves his job and, in my opinion, goes above and beyond for the betterment of his staff and patients. He is constantly staying current with local and national policies and further developing as a professional by attending trainings and seminars both locally and nationally. With a job as big as his, he is also great at maintaining a great work/life balance. He attributes this to his wonderful wife and supportive family.

Following my interview with David I not only was able to reflect on what it means to be a leader but also on my personal journey as a nurse. I think my biggest take a way was to not be afraid to better myself and to continually enhance my knowledge and education, and to be a lifelong learner. We also talked a lot about confidence and to be sure of yourself and your decisions (with supported facts/ evidence) even if it may not be the most popular decision. I think a lot of what I spoke about with David will help me to become a better nurse leader but also military leader because David and I both share that background as well.