General Nursing Council Trust

2022 to 2023: University of Cardiff – Dr Alison James

03/04/2025|General Nursing Council Trust|

The experiences of executive Directors of Nursing in the wake of COVID-19: identifying priorities and actions for recovery and future learning from the pandemic

The study aimed to explore the experiences of executive nurse directors in the UK during the pandemic, and to identify the opportunities for supporting future nurse leadership. Twenty-one nurse leaders in executive level positions in the NHS in England and Wales during the pandemic were interviewed in this qualitative study. A thematic reflexive analysis was applied for data analysis.

Four main themes were identified from the data:

  • Perceptions and tensions of leadership experiences, including personal, organisational, and government level
  • Personal and emotional impact of the role and the sources of effective support
  • Lessons learnt and strategies for future leadership development
  • The voice of nursing and the changing image of nursing during the pandemic

Positive aspects of leading within the pandemic, included effective multidisciplinary working, freedom from normal organisational constraints, innovation, positive relations, and flattening hierarchies. Emotional impacts and concerns about the long-term implications for nurse leaders and nursing were also evident. The study has identified some of the challenges and the need for development of further structured support and networking, to ensure future nurse leaders are well-equipped with strategies for leading, personal wellbeing and support at all times and during times of crises.

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