recognize the clinical leadership potential and function of
nurses who remain at the bedside or in strong clinical posts.
They are leaders because they are seen to be standing by their
nursing care principles.
With this leadership theory in mind, and as a result of
the research findings, clinical leadership needs to be redefined,
although many elements from previous definitions
should be retained. A new definition will point to a new
understanding and hopefully clarify the concept of clinical
leadership so that it may support more effective leadership
development that is directed toward the most appropriate
clinicians — those at the bedside and in positions of
significant clinical contact.