Managing the clinical setting for best nursing practice: a brief overview of contemporary initiatives.
BACKGROUND
Leadership strategies are important in facilitating the nursing profession to reach their optimum standards in the practice environment.


OBJECTIVE
To compare and contrast the central tenets of contemporary quality initiatives that are commensurate with enabling the environment so that best practice can occur.


RESULTS
Democratic leadership, accessible and relevant education and professional development, the incorporation of evidence into practice and the ability of facilities to be responsive to change are core considerations for the successful maintenance of practice standards that are consistent with best nursing practice.


CONCLUSIONS
While different concerns of management drive the adoption of contemporary approaches, there are many similarities in the how these approaches are translated into action in the clinical setting.


CONCLUSIONS
Managers should focus on core principles of professional nursing that add value to practice rather than business processes.
Henderson
Amanda
A
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia. amanda_henderson@health.h.qld.gov.au
Winch
Sarah
S
D019985:Benchmarking; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013192:Staff Development