Nursing Management Experiences that Led to the Growth of Chief Nurses in the Early Stages of Their Careers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the nursing management experiences perceived by chief nurses as influential in their professional growth during the early stages of their careers.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with chief nurses working in hospitals with more than 300 general beds in Prefecture A. The data obtained from the interviews was analyzed using a qualitative and inductive approach.

Results: The interview data from 11 chief nurses representing four facilities were analyzed. Several nursing management experiences were identified as contributing to the growth of chief nurses in the early stages of their careers. These included "participating in nursing management alongside the chief nurse", "closely supporting staff members", "demonstrating trust in and entrusting responsibilities to the staff", "imparting the true essence of nursing to the staff", "stepping up in the absence of the chief nurse", "taking initiative to improve work processes", "promoting and improving hospital organization policies", and "fostering cooperation and collaboration across departments".

Discussion: The study's findings highlighted how newly appointed chief nurses leverage the support and personal interaction with their staff members, along with their wealth of nursing experience. In particular, "closely supporting staff members", "demonstrating trust in and entrusting responsibilities to the staff", "imparting the true essence of nursing to the staff" were revealed to be influential in professional growth as nursing management experiences. The nursing management experiences that led to the growth of chief nurses in the early stages of their careers can be an opportunity to acquire the "technical skills," "human skills," and "conceptual skills" required to fulfill the role of a nursing manager. It was suggested.