The development of clinical leadership through supported reflective practice

The notion of clinical leadership is significant in current nursing practice, particularly since recommendations made by the Department of Health in 'The Strategy for Nursing'. However, while it is a concept that many nurses aspire to implement, in reality the operationalizing of such a concept is fraught with difficulty. This paper aims to explore the issue of clinical leadership through a collegiate model developed in a particular practice area. The development of this collegiate relationship is articulated through the mediums of reflective practice and clinical supervision. A model of collegiality is offered as an approach to the integration of the spheres of clinical leadership. If reflective practice is to be a reality then it is essential that both clinical leaders and practitioners engage in such processes within a supportive culture.