Leadership and Nursing: Contemporary perspectives

Abstract

This second edition, of what was a timely book first published in 2004 to fill a vital need in the nursing profession and in nursing practice, has been radically revised and improved. It represents a diverse range of scholarly voices who interrogate the current condition of nursing leadership as practised in a diverse range of settings, and indicates the challenges that nurse leaders face in ethically fulfilling their various leadership roles, both now and in the future. It points to a future for nursing that is dependent on skilled and informed leadership from within its ranks, whether this be formal or informal leadership. The book rests on the premise that leadership is the responsibility of health professionals in all settings. It is not just for the person authorised to hold a position of leadership within the organisation. Equally, we believe that effective leadership is not possible until one has an understanding of self, what motivates others and what systems can facilitate or frustrate leaders. A major feature of this edition is the inclusion of carefully selected global nurse leaders whose expertise will be apparent to readers.