Erica Miller, MSP, APRN, FMP

Organizational and Systems Leadership

This essential highlights the importance of leadership in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. To me, it highlights the need to develop leadership skills that foster teamwork and drive excellence throughout healthcare. As a nurse practitioner student, I’ve realized that leadership is key to creating environments where patient outcomes are prioritized, while also supporting collaboration and growth within healthcare teams. I’m confident that once I complete this program, I will be ready to step into leadership roles in fast-paced, team-driven settings, ensuring that care is not only effective but also focused on the patient. To show how I’ve developed in this area, I’ve chosen four assignments that highlight my growth and abilities in organizational leadership within nursing practice.

Throughout my time as a nurse practitioner student, I have really come to understand how much organizational and systems leadership impacts patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. My coursework has given me the chance to dive into leadership in complex scenarios, helping me understand my strengths while also recognizing areas for growth. One example is my case study on the film I Am Legend, which allowed me to analyze leadership decisions during a global health crisis. This assignment made me see how vital clear communication and decisive action are in managing high-pressure situations. I also worked on a case study about Lyme Disease, which helped me appreciate the importance of collaboration in tackling public health issues. Completing discussions like comparing the types of human trafficking and the global initiative assignment helped me realize the role leadership plays in shaping education and policy to address health disparities. These experiences have shaped the way I think strategically and critically, and they’ve strengthened my commitment to learning. While I’m confident in my ability to identify problems and implement solutions, I know that refining my skills in working with others in the healthcare field is something I’ll continue to focus on. These experiences have helped me feel more prepared to lead with empathy, integrity, and a strong focus on patient-centered care.

Strength & Weaknesses

One of my strengths is the ability to think critically under pressure, particularly when faced with complex or high-stakes situations. I’ve learned how to apply leadership principles that focus on clear communication and collaboration, especially during assignments where I analyzed global health crises and public health disparities. These experiences have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, pushing me to adopt a systems-level approach to problem-solving. However, I’ve also realized that there is room for growth when it comes to navigating interprofessional dynamics, especially when leading teams with diverse perspectives. I’m still working on finding the right balance between strong decision-making and fostering open, empathetic collaboration. This is a challenge I’m eager to embrace as I continue developing as a leader who values both strategy and compassion in delivering patient-centered care.