The visualisation of clinical leadership in the content of nursing education A qualitative study of nursing students' experiences

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe nursing students' experiences of clinical leadership during their last year of education. Background: Work as a nurse is complex with several demands from stakeholders who are colleagues, managers, patients and relatives. Therefore, it is important to provide students with tools for a forthcoming professional life as a nurse. Setting, Participants and Method: A qualitative descriptive study was carried out in Jordan. Narratives (n = 20) written by nursing students in their last year before graduation as a registered nurse were collected. The data were analysed by a manifest content analysis. Results: The results formed one category: (Clinical leadership safety in being a nurse), and three subcategories (eye-opener, a role model and bridging the gap) described the students' clinical leadership experiences due to the preparation process for being a nurse. Clinical leadership applies theory to practice by using a holistic view in nursing. Conclusion: Clinical leadership is a valuable tool for bridging the gap between theory and practice in nursing education. Skills within nursing management clarify and simplify nursing activities, which facilitates the transition from student to nurse. Focus on learning needs in nursing management is needed for stakeholders within education and health care organisations to facilitate graduation of well skilled nurses. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.