Leadership competencies of first-line nurse managers: a quantitative study

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the leadership competencies of first-line nurse managers (FLNMs) at the unit level in the eastern region of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a quantitative cross-section design. Findings Nurse managers exhibited a moderate level of knowledge and ability to apply leadership competencies. Gender, rank, qualification, professional experience, management experience and management training jointly predicted the leadership competencies of FLNMs [(R2 = 0.158, p = 0.016]. However, only management training was a significant predictor in the model. Practical implications Inappropriate leadership competencies have severe consequences for patients and staff outcomes. This situation necessitates a call for a well-structured program for the appointment of FLNMs based on competencies. Originality/value This study is the first in Ghana which we are aware of that examined the leadership competencies at the unit level that identifies predictors of leadership competencies.

Impact of Competency-Based Intervention on Leadership Effectiveness of Head Nurses in Teaching Hospitals

“…Head nurse leadership competency and effectiveness are essential for striving and achieving safe and high-quality nursing care in healthcare settings. Nurses who wish to develop or promote their professional careers as nurse managers should first develop the leadership core competencies by following educational programs (García et al, 2021;Paarima et al, 2022). Developing leadership competency intervention programs will improve the head nurses' ability to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes towards their leadership role, enabling them to lead their staff and manage their units effectively (García et al, 2021 Therefore, this study took necessary actions to fill this gap by evaluating the impact of a leadership competency intervention program on the leadership effectiveness of head nurses.…”

“…Head nurses' primary roles are to ensure the delivery of quality and safe care and serve as the bridge between the top managers and nurses. They are also in charge of planning, organizing, controlling and maintaining healthy and safe working environment, thus providing a positive impact on both nursing staff and patient outcomes, reducing adverse events in health care organizations (Alomairi et al , 2018;Ofei et al, 2020 ;Paarima et al, 2022).…”

“…Any head nurse proficient in knowledge and ability to apply these leadership competencies enhances the chance of being an effective nurse leader in health care organizations (Mahdi et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2022). Leadership core competencies also have implications on head nurses' leadership effectiveness (García et al, 2021;Paarima et al, 2022). Leadership effectiveness can be defined as the ability to obtain the resources necessary to accomplish established goals of the institution by encouraging the cooperation of others (Personality, 199;Wood, 20024).…”

Identifying factors affecting the selection of heads of city health centers in Iran: A phenomenological study

“…Given the intricate nature of healthcare systems and the presence of various challenges such as rising workloads, insufficient manpower, limited financial resources, and emerging diseases, it is imperative for healthcare managers to not only consistently identify the most effective problem-solving strategies and enhance service quality, but also demonstrate their leadership abilities as a fundamental aspect of their skill set [ 12 ].…”

Assessment of management styles among top nursing leaders in Slovenian primary health centers: a cross-sectional analysis

“…First-line nurse managers hold indispensable roles within health-care organizations. Their responsibilities are multifaceted, essential and often intricate (Paarima et al , 2022). The primary tasks of these managers involve ensuring the provision of high-quality and safe care (Ofei et al , 2018) while acting as intermediaries between top-level management and nursing staff.…”