How the Clinical Leaders Network has enabled me to navigate the complexities of leadership in clinical care.
Anna Morris, Assistant Director of Nursing. Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
My introduction to the NHS Clinical Leaders Network, was as a participant on the Emerging Front-Line Clinical and Care Programme back in 2022.
I got involved as the result of gentle nudging by our then new Director of Nursing. She saw potential in me, fresh off completing my MSc and a Service Improvement Apprenticeship, and suggested that immersing myself in the CLN could benefit my professional growth.
Having been promoted internally, I was eager to explore how I could further develop myself as a leader and differentiate my role.
The initial online sessions were eye-opening, exposing me to a diverse array of leaders from various backgrounds.
They felt like a very safe space, where there were no silly questions. The facilitators were brilliant in creating the right environment for collaboration, and making sure that everyone’s voices were heard.
And this is where I first realised that the challenges I faced were not unique to me. Whether it was the Respiratory Consultant or the fellow Lead Nurse in our peer group, we all grappled with similar issues, such as how to manage our time most effectively, and to bring colleagues with us when we’re all under clinical pressure. But it was hearing about these different perspectives and personal experiences that made such a difference.
Continuing these conversations as part of our Action Learning Sets in our peer group was so valuable, and made a real difference to how I approach my working life.
Reflecting back to starting this journey, I wasn’t initially sure what I was signing up for! But it was so useful and helpful.
Being a part of this network has given me more confidence in doing the “day job”, and showed me the importance of standing up for what you believe in, and having the courage of your convictions.
Thanks for this network, and the other clinicians who have shared their experiences with me so freely, I’m better equipped to navigate the complexities of leadership in clinical care.