Name: Jacquely Claude

Title: Healthcare Consultant

Organisation: Serenity Healthcare Consultant Firm

Jacquelyn Claude, MSPH, BSN, RN is a nurse leadership expert and nursing staff consultant renowned for her commitment to advancing healthcare quality and outcomes. With over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience, Jacquelyn has established herself as a leading nursing staff consultant and strategist in healthcare transformation.

A vocal advocate for the power of mentoring in nursing leadership development, her expertise lies in empowering nurse leaders to excel in patient-centered care and effective healthcare delivery. Leading her consulting firm, Jacquelyn partners with healthcare organizations to craft and implement innovative, evidence-based programs.

These initiatives focus on developing nurse leaders and enhancing overall healthcare practices. Jacquelyn's exceptional teaching skills are evident in her ability to transform complex concepts into practical, actionable strategies for nurse managers and executives. Her leadership style is characterized by a blend of strategic vision and hands-on guidance, making her instrumental in shaping the next generation of nursing leaders.

Through her work, Jacquelyn is not just shaping nursing leaders; she is redefining the landscape of healthcare leadership, ensuring a legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care that will change how nurses are developed, healthcare is delivered, and communities are treated. Jacquelyn Claude, MSPH, BSN, RN is a nurse leadership expert and nursing staff consultant renowned for her commitment to advancing healthcare quality and outcomes. With over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience, Jacquelyn has established herself as a leading nursing staff consultant and strategist in healthcare transformation.

A vocal advocate for the power of mentoring in nursing leadership development, her expertise lies in empowering nurse leaders to excel in patient-centered care and effective healthcare delivery. Leading her consulting firm, Jacquelyn partners with healthcare organizations to craft and implement innovative, evidence-based programs. These initiatives focus on developing nurse leaders and enhancing overall healthcare practices. Jacquelyn's exceptional teaching skills are evident in her ability to transform complex concepts into practical, actionable strategies for nurse managers and executives.

Her leadership style is characterized by a blend of strategic vision and hands-on guidance, making her instrumental in shaping the next generation of nursing leaders. Through her work, Jacquelyn is not just shaping nursing leaders; she is redefining the landscape of healthcare leadership, ensuring a legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care that will change how nurses are developed, healthcare is delivered, and communities are treated.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Jacquely's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

- Finds managing people most challenging

A nurse leader must oversee multiple employees and ensure they work well together. Motivating and developing staff takes skill. Need to balance administration with direct patient care. I would rather focus on patients but administrative duties are also important. Must wear many hats in the role. Regulations can be complex and always changing Staying on top of policies and regulation changes takes work to stay compliant. Tough decisions are part of the job Making choices about staffing or equipment that impact care challenges leadership abilities.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I worked 8 years in staffing prior to my first leadership role as a Clinical Coordinator on a telmetry unit. There was an opportunity for a nurse manager of the unit and was selected to serve in the role of Interim Nurse Manager. After 6 months of no selection, I interviewed for the nurse manager position and from there my journey of a Nurse Manager/Nurse Leader began on a telemetry step-down unit.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Waking up and starting the day with focus and intention was important. Checking email and messages first thing allows me to be responsive. Blocking out focused work time without distractions next is key. Taking intermittent breaks helps maintain productivity and fresh thinking. Wrapping up outstanding items at end of day prevents overnight worries. Planning meals and any commitments brings routine and balance. Relaxing in evenings with low-stimulus activities eases into a good night's sleep.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I learned importance of adapting communication style based on audience I am reminded that leading by example is most impactful way to motivate team I realized delegating more tasks builds confidence and skills in direct reports Lesson in giving constructive feedback to improve performance instead of just pointing out issues Team made more progress after starting each meeting by setting clear goals and expectations.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Innovator's Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care by Clayton M. Christensen: A deep dive into innovative solutions for healthcare challenges, this book pushes leaders to think outside the box.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

One of the most important pieces of career advice I can give is to learn the art of communicating well. Do not overestimate the power of good and clear communication.. Harnessing this soft skill will not just avoid any miscommunication, it will help you work with ease with your team and better connect with the patients. Also lay down a good foundation for your team by creating a sense of community. Remind them that you are all in this together. One vision, one mission, one team.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One of my directors told me this and I'll never forget it. "Jacque the best nurses have it the hardest." Truer words were never spoken. I had the opportunity to become a Director of Professional Development in my early leadership days but my director said "Jacque you aren't ready, you aren't political.

But I will provide you the opportunity to grow." She kept her word, and allowed me to participate in a pilot for 2 years as a Project Manager to improve patient outcomes and as a result, this opportunity helped me to create my niche in project management as a nurse leader. I realized she was right I wasn't ready at the time for a director position, but I was afforded the opportunity to grow as a new nurse leader.