This article provides an introduction to the issue of nursing leadership, addressing definitions and theories underpinning leadership, factors that enhance leadership in nursing, and the nature of leadership content taught in undergraduate programmes. Highlighted are differences between leadership and management, and the notion that leadership can be ‘learned’. The authors also point out that there is a discrepancy between how leading undergraduate nursing programmes prepare students primarily in the transition of education to practice, and the suggestion from a number of nursing publications that leadership in nurses should be fostered throughout their education.

Background: The specific healthcare needs and concerns for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons have not been explored to any degree within Ireland.Aims and objectives: The aim of this paper, which is part of a larger study, is to detail older LGBT persons’ usage, experiences and concerns with accessing healthcare services, disclosing their LGBT identity to professionals, preferences for care and their suggestions for improvement in services, including nursing services.Design: A mixed methods research design combining quantitative survey and qualitative interview approaches of equal significance was used.Methods: 144 respondents completed an 84‐item questionnaire concerning their use of healthcare services, experiences and needs. The qualitative phase involved in‐depth interviews where 36 participants’ experiences and concerns around health services were explored more in‐depth. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis employed the constant comparative process to generate the leading themes.Results: Only one in three participants believed that healthcare professionals have sufficient knowledge of LGBT issues, and less than half (43%) felt respected as an LGBT person by healthcare professionals. Although 26% had chosen not to reveal their LGBT status for fear of a negative response, many positive encounters of coming out to healthcare professionals were relayed in the interviews. LGBT persons have specific concerns around residential care, particularly in relation to the perception that the Irish healthcare services emanate a heteronormative culture.Conclusions: Irish healthcare services need to reflect on how they currently engage with older LGBT persons at both an organisational and practitioner level. Consideration needs to be given to the specific concerns of ageing LGBT persons, particularly in relation to long‐term residential care.Implications for practice: Healthcare practitioners need to be knowledgeable of, and sensitive to, LGBT issues.

This is the second of two articles on developing leadership in nursing; this article explores the role and impact of training and education on nursing leadership. Nursing leadership education has been identified as much needed, and can be provided by universities (at Masters, diploma and certificate levels), healthcare organizations or hospitals. Research demonstrates that where leadership has been effectively taught and integrated into nursing, it has a positive impact on nurses' leadership skills and practice. It is suggested that healthcare organizations continue to develop and support leadership training, while also seeking ways of maintaining and promoting leadership development in practice.

Aim This paper aims to explore barriers to accessing mental health services in the Republic of Ireland from the perspectives of young LGBT+ people aged 14‐25. Background Significant mental health disparities exist between LGBT+ young people and their cisgender and heterosexual peers, yet they do not have equitable access to mental health services. Limited research has explored barriers which exist for LGBT+ young people in accessing services, particularly from their perspectives. Method An anonymous online survey design, consisting of closed and open questions, was used. The study was advertised through local and national organisations and media. 1064 LGBT+ participants aged 14‐25 opted to complete the survey. Results Most participants reported several barriers to them accessing mental health services that were interlinked across three levels: individual; sociocultural; and mental health system. Conclusion Cultural competency training for practitioners which address issues and concerns pertinent to LGBT+ young people is key to addressing many of the barriers identified. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers can use the findings to advocate for practice and organisational change with their services to ensure that care and support is responsive and sensitive to the particular needs of LGBT+ young people.

International policy initiatives have highlighted the need to include older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in the provision of appropriate health and social care. However, empirical studies in the area remain sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences and needs of LGBT people over the age of 55 years living in Ireland and this article reports on specific mental health issues. Mixed methods were used involving 144 surveys and 36 semi-structured in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that a significant number of the survey respondents had experienced a mental health problem at some point in their lives with interview participants providing further details of their concerns. It is recommended that policy makers address the mental health needs of older LGBT people in future strategic directives and develop standards of care that support the principles of equality, inclusion and respect for diversity.