References
Advanced clinical practitioners' untapped potential to become managers
Abstract
Background:
Leadership and management is one of the four pillars of advanced practice, which implies that advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) would be well positioned to take on these roles.
Aim:
This study aimed to explore whether ACPs' management responsibilities would support their transition into a clinical management role.
Method:
This mixed-method narrative literature review uses reflective thematic analysis and a deductive approach to generate themes based on the six critical tasks of a manager mapped to the four pillars of advanced clinical practice. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess research quality.
Findings:
Eleven articles of varying quality were identified. Research suggests that, although ACPs can demonstrate they already have the skills to fulfil management roles, there is limited evidence that they take on these positions.
Conclusion:
ACPs have the clinical background and training to transition into management roles more easily than staff without these prerequisites. Nevertheless, there remains insufficient evidence that this is happening in practice. By promoting and encouraging this role transition, ACPs could use their breadth of skills to become future managers.
Nursing is a progressive, innovative profession that provides an opportunity for many career prospects and promotions. Given there are a multitude of work positions in the NHS, role transition offers many opportunities for career advancement in healthcare. The development of roles such as advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) allows health professionals to remain predominantly clinical by becoming experts in their fields (Health Education (HEE), 2022). Many health professionals consider these roles more attractive and better for career advancement than solely management positions.
Nevertheless, managers are needed in health. Proficient, effective managers are crucial to the NHS's ability to provide high-quality services in the face of growing demand for care. It is recognised that developing and educating future managers in the NHS is key to collaborative and accomplished working (Hulks et al, 2017). This results in high-quality health and care standards being maintained for the population (NHS Leadership Academy, 2013).
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