Vickie Hughes
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, USA
Title: Nursing Leadership Development within the Irish Context
Biography
Biography: Vickie Hughes
Abstract
Purpose There is limited literature published related to nursing leadership development within small island countries. This project, Irish Nurse Leadership Development, is part of a larger study examining cultural factors that influence leadership development within four small island countries in Europe. The development of nursing leadership in Ireland is on-going and still found today. This study examined phenomenal nurse leaders who found ways to make numerous advancements in nursing as a profession. The purpose of this study was to understand nurse leadership development within the Irish context.
Method A focused ethnographical research design was used in interviewing four Irish nurses as they have evolved and assumed clinical, administrative, and academic leadership roles.
Results The major themes from this study included: critical feminist theory, leadership strategies, political acumen, and cultural impact.
Conclusion Irish nurse leaders demonstrated strategies to overcome cultural, political, and socio-economic barriers to influence policy in developing their nursing practice and leadership role while forging a path toward professional development and advancement.