Clinical leadership in mental health nursing : the importance of a calm and confident approach

PURPOSE: Explore the perceptions of nurses working in mental health of effective clinical leadership. DESIGN AND METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with registered nurses employed in a mental health setting. Qualitative research using grounded theory. FINDINGS: Remaining calm and confident in times of crisis and uncertainty was identified as one attribute of clinical leadership. Participants noted clinical leaders’ demeanor during stressful or crisis situations, and their ability to manage unpredictable or unexpected clinical situations as contributing positively to clinical practice. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Understanding these characteristics and how they can influence positive outcomes for clients is crucial in addressing the recruitment and retention challenges for the nursing workforce.