Your task for this piece of assessment is to critically discuss professional issues and leadership challenges for the graduate registered nurse and argue for realistic and achievable actions and goals. 

Professional Issues:

1. Burnout: Burnout is a common problem among nurses, which can lead to poor job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and increased patient safety risks. Nurses often work long hours, deal with high-stress situations, and have limited control over their work environment.

Action and Goal: To address this issue, nurses can practice self-care by taking breaks during their shifts, staying hydrated, and eating healthy food. They can also take advantage of support groups or counseling services. Employers can provide more flexible schedules, ensure safe staffing levels, and promote a healthy work culture that recognizes and addresses burnout.

2. Workplace violence: Nurses are often subjected to workplace violence, including physical and verbal abuse, which can lead to physical and emotional harm.

Action and Goal: Nurses can speak up about workplace violence and report incidents to their supervisors. Employers can implement zero-tolerance policies for workplace violence, provide training to staff on how to handle violent situations, and offer counseling services to affected staff.

Leadership Challenges:

1. Communication: Effective communication is essential for nursing leadership. As a leader, a nurse must be able to communicate clearly with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

Action and Goal: Nurses can develop their communication skills by taking courses on effective communication or seeking feedback from colleagues. They can also practice active listening and ask clarifying questions. Employers can provide leadership training that emphasizes effective communication skills and encourages open communication between staff and management.

2. Staffing shortages: Staffing shortages can lead to increased workload and burnout among nurses, which can negatively impact patient care.

Action and Goal: Nurses can advocate for safe staffing levels and participate in staffing committees to ensure that staffing levels are appropriate for patient needs. Employers can prioritize safe staffing levels, offer incentives to attract and retain staff, and provide additional resources, such as technology or support staff, to help alleviate workload.

In conclusion, as a graduate registered nurse, there are several professional issues and leadership challenges that you may face. However, by taking realistic and achievable actions and goals, you can help address these issues and become an effective leader in your workplace. Remember to prioritize self-care, communicate effectively, advocate for safe staffing levels, and seek support when needed.