Aim To evaluate the work of nurse consultants in the NHS by exploring the views of key informants and nurse consultants.

Method A multi-site evaluative study commissioned by and undertaken in four trusts. The evaluation was based on the 360 degree feedback process and used case study methodology, inviting key informants to provide information on their work with nurse consultants.

Findings The findings are discussed in relation to the following themes: role aspirations and lived reality; challenging boundaries; impact and outcomes and leadership. The findings concur with previous studies demonstrating a series of common themes associated with leadership, clinical expertise, research and educational activity. These findings express the ways in which nurse consultants are working to develop unique services to meet patient needs.

Conclusion The nurse consultant has an important role in the modernisation of the NHS. The role’s impact, in terms of the informants, is in leadership, clinical expertise, research and educational activity. The findings reveal an urgent need to support consultant nurses in developing their leadership potential and skills in researching practice.