Lewin's Change Theory

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Improvement in the use of clinical alarms will necessitate that several process changes occur. The use of Lewin’s Theory will assist in these changes. This change theory has three stages: the unfreezing stage, the moving stage, and the refreezing stage. The unfreezing stage is the most important as it will set up success or failure. The preparation for the change occurs during this stage. Literature research will occur and data will be collected regarding the current use of alarms. During this stage, it will be communicated to the staff as to why the change must occur, their input into the change will be gathered, and they will be motivated to accept the change. (Longo, 2013) During the moving stage, a plan is developed for the change, then it is implemented and evaluated. Several process changes that will need to occur include the daily changing of telemetry electrodes and pulse oximetry sensors, assessing the need for monitoring and evaluating the alarm limits based on the individualized patient needs. It will be important to identify change agents during this stage to assist in motivating the staff to accept the change. In the refreezing stage, the change is integrated into practice becomes the norm. It is important that the change be locked in so staff does not …show more content…
As shown in the literature, transformational leadership is an effective leadership model when change is occurring. Transformational leaders value collaboration and empower others by having them share in decision-making (Rousell & Ratcliffe, 2013). Transformational nurse leaders lead by example and are able to persuade their employees to visualize the overall impact of the change on the unit and for their patients. They allow others to share in decisions and that increases buy in and decreases resistance to