THE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION OF A CLINICAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR MENTAL HEALTH NURSES

Abstract

A structured clinical leadership program was developed to assist nurses working in a metropolitan mental health service to develop and consolidate clinical leadership skills. The Nurses' Self-Concept Questionnaire (NSCO) was used to elicit responses from participants prior to commencement of the leadership program and again at completion. Findings indicate that the program was considered useful and its benefits were carried over into the workplace via the sharing of information. The self-directed nature of this program was found to be an effective way for clinical nurses to undertake continued professional development within the exigencies of clinical practice.