Nurse leadership and the challenges of clinical governance in emergency settings: a theoretical and reflective analysis

Objectives: to analyze the articulation between nurse leadership and clinical governance in emergency settings, identifying strategies that promote care quality and the development of health and nursing management. Methods: theoretical-reflexive analysis, supported by a review of recent scientific literature, using Rodgers' approach to conceptual analysis. Results: an interdependence between leadership and clinical governance was identified, grounded in the principles of patient safety, quality, and accountability, fostering improvements in health outcomes. By requiring rapid decision-making, team coordination, and efficient resource management, leadership in emergency contexts aligns with the pillars of clinical governance: evidence-based practice, continuous audit, and risk management. Conclusions: nursing leadership constitutes a structural pillar of clinical governance. Its integration strengthens organizational and team resilience, improves clinical outcomes, and promotes patient-centered care, highlighting the importance of continuous training in leadership and governance for effective health management.