Aim To explore clinical nurse managers’ perceptions of factors influencing their ability to perform their clinical leadership role.

Method A random sample of 15 clinical nurse managers in four acute NHS trusts was interviewed in depth to identify and explore factors that they perceived to be helping or hindering their performance. The qualitative data were analysed to identify recurrent themes, which were used to develop a survey questionnaire that was distributed to the remaining clinical nurse managers in the four trusts (n=152).

Results The response rate was 65 per cent (n=99). Many of the clinical nurse managers reported poor preparation to undertake key aspects of their role and did not favour open learning as a method of continuing professional development.

Conclusion The findings are of interest in the context of the new framework proposed by the English National Board (ENB) and the Department of Health for the preparation of nurse educators. Many of the findings are identical to the advisory standards set out for mentors in Preparation of Mentors and Teachers: A New Framework of Guidance (ENB and DoH 2001a). Attention to the development of clinical nurse managers, as well as new mentors, should continue to ensure that the proposed changes meet the needs of both groups.