<p>The qualities of the ward sister have long been recognised as pivotal to the provision and promotion of good patient care and ward management. Literature from both the US and the UK has identified nurse managers and ward sisters as key individuals within the entire health care organisation (Cameron-Buccheri and Ocier1996). A finding of many studies is the ward sister's ability to create a ward learning environment and act as a role model for staff (Orton 1981. Pembrey 1980,Roberts 1993).</p>