How to develop your clinical leadership skills

All nurses can be leaders. Find out about the value of communication and compassion in leadership and the training opportunities available that will aid your career

Leadership skills are often associated with senior nursing roles, such as matrons or chief nurses.

But nurses at all bands need to develop these skills, whether they are newly registered or mid-career.

What is clinical leadership?

It’s important to recognise the difference between management and leadership, says chair of the RCN nurses in management and leadership forum Sally Bassett.

Whereas management refers to practical skills, such as managing budgets and workforce planning, leadership is about creating a shared purpose, influencing others and improvement, she says.