Nurse Directors' jobs - a European perspective

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Abstract
BACKGROUND OF STUDY: The European Nurse Directors Association (ENDA) was founded in 1996. Members agree on an annual action plan based on the three main aims of the Association to strengthen the nursing contribution to policy making within Europe, further nursing leadership and to establish a communication network of experts Nurse Directors across Europe. This study supports the above aims by examining issues relating to the job of Nurse Directors across Europe.The aim of the study was to identify shared aspects of the job from which further work could emerge to support the three aims of the Association and, in particular, to further nursing leadership across Europe.An action centred research method (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats [SWOT] analysis) was chosen which gave the opportunity for respondents to expand on key points. The texts were submitted in French, German and English with opportunities built in to individually discuss statements in order to minimize inaccuracies which could have emerged during translation.Nurse Directors of today give a clear indication of 'can-do' mentality and the strengths and weaknesses which are demonstrated indicate that there are areas which need to be further explored and supported. The findings were presented at the 5th Congress of ENDA in Rotterdam in 2001 and were well received. Funding has been obtained from the National Nursing Leadership Centre to expand the research.This study is a snapshot only of those working at the leading edge in nursing. The responses also reflect feedback from nurses working in mainly acute hospitals and further work needs to be undertaken to include additional European countries.It has been demonstrated how Nurse Directors in Europe are taking and making opportunities to lead influence nursing and healthcare. Areas of further work that need to be addressed have emerged.

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