Merger management: a challenge to nursing leadership

AIM: The article reviews the merger process of two obstetric divisions. BACKGROUND: Mergers of acute care facilities are becoming common due to the need to move towards a market orientation. There is a growing emphasis on corporations, competition, and profit and cost control. Nursing leadership in managing merger processes is crucial. METHODS: Information originated from administrative decisions, feelings expressed by the staff, author observations, and statistical data. Data was analysed by illustrating the merger phases, compared to the literature and research studies. KEY ISSUES: Issues related to planning and preparing the process, the management of human resources, the development of organizational culture, and the physical changes, are vital. CONCLUSIONS: Planning ahead, involving all partners from the early stages, extensive dialogue among colleagues and strong nursing leadership are key elements for a smooth transition.