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Nurses’ perceptions of preparedness for acting as Nurse Unit Managers: A cross-sectional study

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 21:55 authored by Manion, A, Phoebe GriffinPhoebe Griffin, Pieter Van DamPieter Van Dam
Background: The Nurse Unit Manager role is vital to achieving outcomes in health care. Although research shows that Nurse Unit Managers feel underprepared for the role, little is known about the experiences of senior clinical nurses as they move into the role. The perspectives of these nurses are important because their perceptions of preparedness will likely affect their experiences, impacting patient and organisational outcomes.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the development opportunities available to potential nurse unit managers in an Australian health service, the effectiveness of these and nurses’ perceptions of preparedness for acting in the role.

Methods: A largely quantitative approach was used to collect cross-sectional data via a survey-based study design. The study examined the experiences of senior nurses who had acted in the Nurse Unit Manager role, across four domains aligned with the role’s position description.

Findings: Overall, participants reported feeling unprepared for the Nurse Unit Manager role, which negatively affected their experiences. Participants reported a deficit in support and structured development opportunities provided to potential Nurse Unit Managers. Where education was received, participants reported feeling more confident and prepared.

Discussion: The findings suggest that education, mentorship and experience in acting in the role contributed to nurses feeling prepared and confident about transitioning into the Nurse Unit Manager role. Further research should be directed to the development, implementation and evaluation of structured development programs that encompass these aspects.

Conclusion: This study indicates that strategies should be implemented to improve the preparation of potential Nurse Unit Managers.

History

Publication title

Collegian

Article number

ePub ahead of print

Number

ePub ahead of print

ISSN

1322-7696

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Place of publication

Netherlands

Rights statement

© 2021 Australian College of Nursing Ltd.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Management, resources and leadership; Nursing

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