Phelp LPNtoRN 6e

68 Unit I • The Transition Process

Spontaneous Change Spontaneous change refers to change that is impulsive or effortless and is often random or unpredictable. For example, when a person begins a new job, they may take on the characteristics of other coworkers. This may involve buying the same types of clothes or becoming interested in similar activities. In retrospect, it may seem like a planned response, but in reality, it occurred spontaneously and without forethought. PLANNED CHANGE Taylor et al. (2023) describe planned change as a deliberate, purposeful, methodical endeavor to effect change. Planned change involves advanced strategy by a change agent who serves as a “champion” to lead the change process. Members who are affected by the change are referred to as stakeholders . In an organization, anyone can become the change agent and present ideas to the stakeholders. For example, a planned change is your return to school; you probably made careful plans to achieve your goals. These plans may have included child care or other personal issues, revision of work schedules, or a change in daily activities. Other planned changes may have occurred in your workplace. Schedule changes are an example. Some healthcare settings have opted to have their employees work 12-hour shifts. To establish that schedule, an imple mentation plan is developed so that the transition to the new schedule is as smooth as possible. This is the process of planned change. There are several types of planned change. Incremental Change Incremental change involves a planned change that occurs gradually in steps or stages. This type of planning is often applied to long-term projects, such as hospital mergers or curriculum changes. You may have planned your return to school in increments. You may have taken your general education courses first at the initial stage of your education. The second part of the process involves completing the nursing courses. By doing this, you are able to continue working or have greater ability to care for a family or remain involved in other interests. Rapid Change Change that is planned quickly may or may not be successful. For instance, rapid plans may need to be developed in rescue situations to assist people quickly in precarious situations. Rapid change can also mean the implementation of an organizational plan without considering the ramifications. As an example, a nursing organization recog nizes that staff positions need to be eliminated fairly quickly because of reduced census or revenue shortfalls. The plans are made to eliminate positions based on seniority, without considering what units have the highest staffing needs and how staff might need to be transferred and oriented. The plan is implemented quickly but without consider ing the fallout. Transactional Change Transactional change occurs for mutual benefit. For example, nursing faculty and students determine that a change is needed in clinical experiences so that all seniors have the opportunity for a leadership experience. Representatives of both groups meet to plan the best method to accomplish this goal. The plan is formed so that all parties are able to transact an appropriate and mutually agreeable plan.

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