Leading through the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of UK Executive Nurse Directors

James, Alison H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0965-3169, Dimond, Rebecca ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1974-7289, Jones, Aled, Watkins, Dianne and Kelly, Daniel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1847-0655 2025. Leading through the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of UK Executive Nurse Directors. Journal of Advanced Nursing 81 (3) , pp. 1463-1475. 10.1111/jan.16329

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Abstract

Aim: To explore the challenges experienced by Executive Nurse Directors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to inform future nursing leadership strategies. Design: A qualitative research project involving interviews with 21 Executive Nurse Directors from England and Wales. Methods: Participants were purposively sampled and recruited through Chief Nursing Officers and nursing leadership networks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded online via Teams. Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic reflexive analysis was applied to data analysis. Results: Executive Nurse Directors played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six themes are explored: tensions, and adaptive response to personal leadership styles; uncertainty and support at the board level; responding to national political decision-making; the personal and emotional impact of the role and the sources of effective support; the voice and public profile of nursing; lessons learnt and strategies for future leadership development. Enablers of decision-making included effective multidisciplinary working, freedom from normal organizational constraints, support for innovation, and the development of stronger bonds with colleagues. Barriers to decision-making included limited knowledge of the virus and its impact and lack of guidance, particularly at a national level. Priorities, strategies and actions for recovery include recognizing the emotional impact of being in a high-level decision-making role, protecting staff from burnout and understanding the long-term implications of pandemic work for nurse leaders. Conclusion: Future strategies for nursing leadership during public health, national and global emergencies are recommended. Impact: This study contributes to the literature exploring the Executive Nurse Director role and their experiences of leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, and identifies priorities, strategies and actions for recovery and learning for the future of senior leadership.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education) Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0309-2402
Funders:	General Nursing Council for England and Wales Trust
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	24 July 2024
Date of Acceptance:	29 June 2024
Last Modified:	12 Mar 2025 11:58
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/170890

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