Need analysis for managerial competencies of nurse managers in general hospitals

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the needs for the managerial competencies of nurse managers in general hospitals.Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. The participants were 203 nurse managers, 141 head nurses or unit managers, and 62 directors or team managers from 17 general hospitals. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire with 42 nursing management competencies and 181 behavioral indicators. Participants rated the importance and performance of each indicator. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test, independent t-test, importance-performance analysis, Borich’s needs assessment model, and locus for focus model.Results: In all 42 competencies, importance was rated significantly higher than performance. The head nurses or unit managers had high demands for “human resource development,” “performance management,” and “information management,” while the directors or team managers had high demands for “change management.” Competencies in high demand in both groups were “development of nursing standards” and “self-management.”Conclusion: Based on the results, it is necessary to select priorities and prepare educational content when developing educational programs to strengthen the nursing management competencies of general hospitals’ nurse managers.