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Aim: To generate, test and refine programme theories that emerged from a rapid realist review investigating practising UK Nurses' and Midwives' experiences of effective leadership strategies during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background: The realist review of literature generated six tentative theories of healthful leadership practices reflecting, working with people's beliefs and values; being facilitative; multiple means of communication and; practical support. The review yielded little insight into the actual impact of the leadership approaches advocated. Methods: A realist study, informed by person‐centredness using mixed‐methods. Online survey (n = 328) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 14) of nurses and midwives across the UK in different career positions/specialities. Quantitative data analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. Framework analysis for qualitative data using context (C), mechanism (M), outcome (O) configurations of the tentative theories. Results: Three refined theories were identified concerning: Visibility and availability; embodying values and; knowing self. Healthful leadership practices are only achievable within organisational cultures that privilege well‐being. Conclusions: Leaders should intentionally adopt practices that promote well‐being. 'Knowing self' as a leader, coaching and mentoring practice development is important for leadership development. Implications for Clinical Practice: Nurses who feel valued, heard, cared for and safe are more likely to remain in clinical practice. Job satisfaction and being motivated to practice with confidence and competence will impact positively on patient outcomes. Impact: The study addresses the role of leadership in developing healthful workplace cultures. The main findings were six leadership practices that promote healthful cultures. The research will have an impact on strategic and clinical leaders, nurses and midwives. Reporting Method: This study used EQUATOR checklist, RAMASES II as reporting standards for realist evaluations. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

morgan p., merrell j., rentschler d. & chadderton h. ( 2012) Uncertainty during perimenopause: perceptions of older first-time mothers. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(10), 2299-2308. Abstract Aim. This article is a report of a study exploring older first-time mothers' perceptions of health during their transition to menopause. Background. Increasing numbers of women world-wide are delaying motherhood, yet little is known about the unique phenomenon created when midlife motherhood is closely followed by the transition to menopause. A literature search revealed that the effect of these overlapping life transitions on women's health was unknown. Design. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach utilizing Gadamer's philosophical underpinnings guided the study. Method. A purposive sample of thirteen women aged 45-56 years who were mothering children aged 12 years or younger and experiencing symptoms of perimenopause was recruited. Two in-depth interviews were conducted with each woman and meaning was mutually negotiated through participative dialogue with the women, ongoing construction and thematic analysis of data collected between 2004 and 2007. Findings. The key theme 'Perimenopause as a State of Uncertainty' is an interpretation of older first-time mothers' perceptions of health during perimenopause and is the focus of this article. Hermeneutic interpretation culminated in the construct 'uncertainty' as theoretical embodiment of the women's lived experience. An uncertain temporality, projection of the lifespan and valuing health as precious enabled these women to transform uncertainty into opportunities for health promotion to 'be there' for their children. Conclusion. Nurses, nurse practitioners and midwives will increasingly be caring for midlife mothers and need to understand the unique issues of older mothers to offer education and health promotion that support healthy transitions to menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]