Effect of an experiential learning-based programme to foster competence among nurse managers

AIM: The present study aimed to examine the effect of providing an experiential learning-based programme to foster competence among nurse managers in the early years of their supervisory roles. BACKGROUND: Nurse managers take supervisory positions without being sufficiently prepared for the task and therefore often experience difficultly in the early years of managerial roles. They need support from their supervisor and require opportunities for development. METHODS: We developed an experiential learning-based programme for nurse managers in the first 3 years of a supervisory role. Sixty-three nurse managers and their supervisors were enrolled. The programme was evaluated using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The outcome measures were experiential learning, knowledge, social support, competency as a nurse manager, and sense of coherence. Outcomes were compared using paired t tests. RESULTS: Nurse managers showed significantly improved experiential learning (p = .001), knowledge (p < .001) and competence as a nurse manager (p = .002) after participating in this programme. CONCLUSION: This programme increased knowledge, promoted experiential learning, and improved competence among nurse managers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This experiential learning-based programme for nurse managers in the early years of a supervisory role fostered competence among nurse managers.