Perceived importance and performance of clinical leadership in practice: A cross-sectional study of nurses and midwives of all grades

Vera J.C. Mc Carthy, Ashling Murphy, Eileen Savage, Josephine Hegarty, Alice Coffey, Patricia Leahy-Warren, Aine Horgan, Rhona O'Connell, Lynne Marsh, Jonathan Drennan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim: To explore the differences in perceived importance and actual performance of clinical leadership for all grades of nurses and midwives engaged in clinical practice. Background: Clinical leadership is central to the provision of person-centred care. However, little is known about how nurses and midwives perceive this in practice. Methods: Data were collected on a sample of nurses and midwives in the Republic of Ireland, using a cross-sectional study design (n = 324). The clinical leadership needs analysis instrument was used to measure perceived importance and performance of clinical leadership in practice. Grades of nurses/midwives included; staff, manager, advanced practitioner and senior manager. Results: Senior managers were more likely to report significantly higher scores than staff grades for perceived importance of Technology & Care Initiatives (p <.01) and Financial & Service Management (p =.02). Performance of Staff & Care Delivery was significantly higher for senior managers than staff grades [F(5,309) = 6.06 p <.01]. Conclusion: There was a mismatch between the perceived importance and actual performance of clinical leadership in practice between different grades of staff. Implications for Nursing Management: Leadership training for all grades and mentoring of staff grades can promote the building of confidence and empower staff in leading clinical practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1738-1746
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Nursing Management
Volume27
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2019

Keywords

  • CLeeNA
  • importance of clinical leadership
  • midwives
  • nurses
  • performance of clinical leadership

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