What We Took Away This Week: Social Justice + Leadership = Real Change

What We Took Away This Week: Social Justice + Leadership = Real Change

This week’s readings honestly hit home in a big way. We focused on socially just leadership and organizational theory, and I feel like everything I read was speaking directly to what we’re trying to do in nursing education right now. One of the biggest takeaways was that leadership is not just about being in charge. It is about being ethical, inclusive, and really intentional about recognizing the systems around us. As educators, especially in nursing, we can’t just teach students how to lead on the floor. We need to help them understand how to lead in systems that aren’t always fair or equal to everyone.

One idea that really stuck with me was the concept of “critical consciousness.” Basically, it is the idea that leaders need to be aware of social inequities and not just recognize them but actually work to change them. That’s easier said than done. It means being vulnerable and willing to admit when we’re part of the problem. It made me think hard about the ways I may unintentionally keep certain norms in place that don’t serve all students equally. It is uncomfortable, but that’s kind of the point.

Another thing we talked about is how traditional leadership theory just does not cut it anymore. Those old-school approaches that prioritize hierarchy and control feel so out of touch with the kind of environments we’re actually working in, especially in diverse classrooms. Instead, we should be looking at leadership styles that are more relational and equity-focused. We need to make room for student voices that don’t always match the mold and rethink how we define leadership in the first place.

Ashley and I are working on a student leadership program for BSN students, and this week’s content made me even more excited about it. We’re not just building something to help students learn how to take charge. We want them to think about what kind of leaders they want to be and how they can challenge unfair systems in healthcare. Our plan is to include reflection activities, power dynamic discussions, and advocacy tools so they walk away not just ready for a job, but ready to make a difference.

The idea of shared leadership also came up in the readings, and I love it. It reminds us that leadership isn’t something one person carries. It has to be embedded into the culture of the whole school or organization. That means we’ve got to work across departments, include more voices, and create space for real collaboration.

All in all, this week reminded me that being a socially just leader means showing up with intention and care. It means leading with our values, listening closely, and always pushing for better—not just for ourselves, but for the students and communities we serve.