title: Clinical leadership in mental health nursing: the importance of a calm and confident approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Explore the perceptions of nurses working in mental health of effective clinical leadership.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth interviews were conducted with registered nurses employed in a mental health setting. Qualitative research using grounded theory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Remaining calm and confident in times of crisis and uncertainty was identified as one attribute of clinical leadership. Participants noted clinical leaders' demeanor during stressful or crisis situations, and their ability to manage unpredictable or unexpected clinical situations as contributing positively to clinical practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding these characteristics and how they can influence positive outcomes for clients is crucial in addressing the recruitment and retention challenges for the nursing workforce.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Centre for Mental Health Nursing Innovation, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia; North Western Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ennis
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Reid-Searl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009726:Nurses / Q000592:standards; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Leadership; mental health; nursing