Tensions within management roles in healthcare organisations

Aim This article reports the results of a study that gives an insight into ward leaders' perspectives of their leadership role and explores how they deliver leadership at ward level within organisational constraints and processes. Previous studies have been evaluations of clinical leadership in general, or literature reviews of the ward leader role. The aim of this study was to examine the leadership role of ward sisters and to understand how they lead improvements in quality of care on their wards. Methods A qualitative methodology was used, incorporating 19 in-depth interviews with ward leaders and modern matrons. Results Three main themes were identified: empty conformity, authority and autonomy, and visibility and leading by example. Participants aimed to be role models in leading and maintaining standards of care for patients, but this was sometimes constrained by organisational processes, lack of authority and autonomy, and lack of support and preparation. Conclusion Perceived differences between nursing and health service management mean that ward leaders' efforts to lead improvements in quality care are often undermined. Ward leaders must strike a balance between leading high-quality nursing care, in the context of organisational and political performance requirements, and the demands of administrative work, while often lacking autonomy and authority.

Nursing care for patients infected or colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)

Advances in medicine enable many patients to regain their health. But, at the same time, they become susceptible to hospital-acquired infections. The occurrence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci is a considerable problem in the modern health system. In order to limit the risk of VRE infection, proper patient care is vital, which is focused on compliance with relevant procedures (isolation, decontamination, education). Mutual cooperation between charge nurses and the ward sister and epidemiological nurse plays a major role in nursing surveillance of patients with VRE.

Implementing supervisory status for senior charge nurses

This article is the fourth in a series of seven articles relating to the implementation of Leading Better Care (LBC). It describes two projects that were undertaken concurrently within NHS Lanarkshire to support senior charge nurses to work effectively within the role framework of LBC, with enhanced supervisory status. The article discusses the background and aims of the projects, their findings and the resulting action taken by NHS Lanarkshire.