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

Abstract

BackgroundThe 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. AimThe 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. MethodsA 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. FindingsOverall, 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. DiscussionThe 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. ConclusionThis study indicates that strategies should be implemented to improve the preparation of potential Nurse Unit Managers.