Building managerial competence in nurse unit managers: insights from a qualitative study

This study aimed to identify factors enhancing nurse unit managers’ managerial competencies and to propose practical strategies at individual and organizational levels through in-depth interviews in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. This study employed a qualitative design. Qualitative content analysis, as proposed by Graneheim and Lundman, was conducted on interviews with 24 nurse unit managers in South Korea. An exploration of the factors enhancing managerial competencies among nurse unit managers revealed the following 5 themes and 10 subthemes: embracing change, expanding educational competency, strengthening practical skills, harmonizing generational differences, and enhancing interprofessional collaboration. This study identified five key themes enhancing managerial competency among nurse unit managers: embracing change, expanding educational competency, strengthening practical skills, harmonizing generational differences, and enhancing interprofessional collaboration. Individual-level factors were more prominently identified than organizational-level factors, suggesting that nurse unit managers proactively develop personal competencies as a driving force for unit improvement. Evidence-based strategies at the individual and organizational levels are proposed to strengthen nurse unit managers’ competencies in clinical practice and leadership. Not applicable.