Factors identified by Nurse Executive Directors as important to their success.

AIM The present study investigates the factors Nurse Executive Directors (NEDs) consider important to their effectiveness, examines whether factors identified in previous studies remain relevant and identifies themes that might inform current practice and future research. BACKGROUND Increasing competition in healthcare markets is increasing the demands on Nurse Executive Directors. There is a need to identify factors that contribute to effectiveness in the role so that these can be developed and effectiveness improved. METHODS The Nurse Executive Directors of hospital trusts in Greater Manchester were interviewed. The Nurse Executive Directors also rated the importance of factors identified in a systematic review of the literature. RESULTS The Nurse Executive Directors confirmed that nine previously reported factors were important. Three additional themes were consistently reported, delivery focus, courage and political awareness. CONCLUSIONS The study identified 12 factors Nurse Executive Directors associate with effectiveness. Further research is needed to assess their relative contribution and define clear measures of Nurse Executive Director effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT; This is the first study that identifies characteristics UK Nurse Executive Directors associate with their effectiveness. It confirms that similar studies in the USA are relevant to UK hospitals. The study identifies potential development areas for current and aspiring Nurse Executive Directors and indicates characteristics that might be important when recruiting Nurse Executive Directors.