Preparing the air for nursing care: A grounded theory study of first line nurse managers

Abstract

This paper presents an interesting and well-researched insight into Finish (first line) nurse manager perspectives on nursing leadership. The use of written narratives is unique in this regard and offers a detailed data source for the utilisation of a grounded theory research approach. The four typologies identified, 'the Active Developer, the Passive Thinker, the Impulsive Creator and the Routine Manger' appear to effectively represent the core modalities identified in the study. Reading the study put me in mind of Christian and Norman's (1998) study of clinical leadership in nursing development units as many of the comments by the Finish nurse managers and the conclusions drawn appeared similar. This is perhaps not unusual as this and Christian and Norman's (1998) study approached nurse managers involved in unit/ward level leadership and management positions to gather their research data.