Building managerial competence in nurse unit managers: insights from a qualitative study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: AIM: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
Source: BMC Nursing
Authors: Jiae Lee, Miyoung Kim
Institutions: Catholic Kwandong University, Ewha Womans University
Language: English
Subfield: Research and Theory
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7156308085