Managing Multiple Generations: Scenarios From the Workplace

PROBLEM: The current nursing workforce is composed of multigenerational staff members creating challenges and at times conflict for managers. METHODS: Generational cohorts are defined and two multigenerational scenarios are presented and discussed using the ACORN imperatives and Hahn's Five Managerial Strategies for effectively managing a multigenerational staff. FINDINGS: Communication and respect are the underlying key strategies to understanding and bridging the generational gap in the workplace. CONCLUSION: Embracing and respecting generational differences can bring strength and cohesiveness to nursing teams on the managerial or unit level.