Developing Nursing Leadership in Neurorehabilitation: A Qualitative Programme Evaluation

Background: Nurses have a pivotal role in providing specialised care in the neurorehabilitation field. Although the demand for specialist nurses is increasing, few postgraduate nursing programmes which focus on young people and the psychosocial aspects of care exist in the United Kingdom. A novel online postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) in neurological rehabilitation nursing programme was developed and funded in partnership with a higher education institution and third-sector organisations.

Aim: To explore students' perceptions of undertaking the online programme as an opportunity to develop their leadership.

Method: Qualitative programme evaluation. Qualitative online interviews and feedback provided by the students were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Five students were interviewed and eight provided written feedback. All interviewees were women, currently working as nurses either within the UK or internationally. They had successfully completed and graduated from the PG Cert programme. The themes developed were 1) student’s experience, 2) supportive learning environment, 3) support from employers, 4) impact on practice and 5) impact on current workplace/colleagues.

Conclusion: The programme improved nurses’ confidence, knowledge, and ability to implement and lead principles of person centred-care with both neurological rehabilitation patient populations and through self-reflection and self-care while working in stressful environments. Although the long-term impact in terms of patient outcomes is not yet available, the programme appeared to develop nursing leadership in the neurorehabilitation field as well as to serve as a model promoting postgraduate nursing education.