Action learning: a tool for the development of strategic skills for Nurse Consultants?

AIM: This paper will discuss the process of action learning and the outcomes of using action learning as a tool to achieve a more strategic function from Nurse Consultant posts. BACKGROUND: It is documented that one of the most challenging aspect of Nurse Consultant roles, in terms of leadership, is the strategic contribution they make at a senior corporate Trust level, often across organizations and local health economies. A facilitated action learning set was established in Brighton, England, to support the strategic leadership development of eight nurse consultant posts across two NHS Trusts. EVALUATION: Benefits to patient care, with regard to patient pathways and cross-organizational working, have been evident outcomes associated with the nurse consultant posts involved in the action learning set. KEY ISSUES: Commitment by organizational nurse leaders is essential to address the challenges facing nurse consultants to implement change at strategic levels. CONCLUSIONS: The use of facilitated action learning had been a successful tool in developing the strategic skills of Nurse Consultant posts within this setting. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Action learning sets may be successfully applied to a range of senior nursing posts with a strategic remit and may assist post holders in achieving better outcomes pertinent to their roles.