Stability in shifting sands: contemporary leadership roles in critical care |
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| Authors: | R ENDACOTT MA PhD RN DipN C BOULANGER BSc MSc RN Dip N W CHAMBERLAIN MSc B Phil Cert Ed RGN J HENDRY BSc MSc RGN DipN H RYAN MSc DipHSM RN W CHABOYER PhD BN MN |
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| Institution: | 1. Professor of Critical Care Nursing, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK;2. Nurse Consultant/Advanced Critical Care Practitioner, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Devon, UK;3. Nurse Consultant Critical Care, Taunton and Somerset Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Taunton, UK;4. Director of Nursing and Nurse Consultant in Critical Care, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK;5. Nurse Consultant Critical Care, Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Yeovil, UK;6. Professor/Director, Research Centre for Clinical and Community Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Background Contemporary nursing leadership roles in critical care are a reflection of the changing environment in which critical care is provided. Key issues In the UK, critical care nursing faces challenges in the form of: reduced number and seniority of medical staff cover for acute wards; mandated responsibility for management of patients outside of critical care units, without corresponding responsibility for managing staff; increased public and political awareness of deficits in critical care; increased use of Assistant Practitioners; and emphasis on longer‐term outcomes from intensive care. Evaluation New leadership roles have met these challenges head on with two main foci: patient management across the acute/critical care interface and hospital wide policies and practice. Conclusions The leadership roles examined in this paper highlight three underpinning goals: improved quality and safety of patient care; improved communication between professionals; and empowerment of junior nurses and doctors. Implications for nursing management There has been considerable investment in strategic leadership roles for critical care nursing; evidence is developing of the return on this investment for patient and service outcomes. Consideration must now be given to the preparation, mentorship and development of leadership roles for the next generation of nurse leaders. |
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| Keywords: | communication critical care nursing leadership patient outcomes |
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