1LEADERSHIP IN CLINICAL PRACTICE TheClinicalLeadershipProgrammeprovidesthepotentialtoworkwiththe clinicians, which helps to develop knowledge and skills. To excel in clinical practice is vital for legitimising leadership in nursing (Davidson, Elliott & Daly, 2006). This programme allowstheNursesandMidwivestobeenabledsothattheycancontributetothe improvements in the outcomes of the clients or patients. According to Stanley (2011), the quality of patient care depends on the clinical leader that is; there is a significant contribution by the clinical leaders. Therefore, new styles of nursing leadership and mentoring needs to get promoted, in a vital and financially limited healthcare system. Both clinical and academic environments require cultures that develop innovation and foster leadership potential. It is essential to be aware that at every level of the organisation both nurses and midwives by showing impeccable excellence and leadership in clinical practice, can influence and direct patient care regardless of the streams the nurses and midwives are in. The participants, according to an evaluation report are quite positive about their participation, which helped in self-development. In several cases, noticeable changes have been observed in those who have participated, as reported by the nurses and midwife managers. Thus as stated in Stanley (2011) the clinical leaders time has come This is true because there is an increase in the need to engage the clinicians in policy developments so that there is increased emphasis on the quality of the care. This is also because there is an increase in the requirement of the frontline clinicians to participate in change and innovation. The clinicians even are recognising themselves as stakeholders; it is also a vital point, which states that indeed the time of the clinical leaders have come. The clinical leaders when identified and encouraged as leaders can do much more than usual. The clinical leaders can also show that indeed the leadership does exist at many levels. However, there is a threat to the progress in clinical leadership. The factors like the social, political, professional and economic factors that threaten the development of this leadership.
2LEADERSHIP IN CLINICAL PRACTICE References Davidson, P.M., Elliott, D.,& Daly, J. (2006). Clinical leadership in contemporary clinical practice: implications for nursing in Australia. Journal of Nursing Management, 14, 180-187. Doi/10.11111/j.1365-2934.2006.00555.x/full Lunn, C., Mac Curtain, S., & Mac Mohan, J. (2008). Clinical leadership pilot: evaluation report. Stanley, D. (2011). Clinical leadership innovation into action (pp. 53-78). South Yarra: Palgrave Macmillan.