Data were analysed for themes. The main
themes are presented and discussed here. The findings of the study question the
political success which the internally focused nature of leadership has had for
the profession. Nursing and therefore nursing leadership is shaped dramatically
by the impact of politics and policy. The research discovered that in recognition
of this, contemporary nursing leadership has both an internal and an external
focus. That is, effective nursing leadership currently is a vehicle through which
both nursing practice and health policy can be influenced and shaped. The
research also identified the profile of the effective nurse leader, together with
the processes through which leaders interpret and translate between the macro
issues of policy and the micro issues of practice. In addition, an understanding
of what nursing leadership is, has been proposed. Appropriate recommendations
for the future of nursing and nursing leadership are outlined