Role, selection and preparation of unit head nurses—II

The competencies expected of first‐line nursing managers — an Australian context

“…The literature This decade has seen many changes to nursing edu-provides ample evidence of studies which have examined cation and the provision of health care in New South a variety of aspects such as the nature of the first-line Wales, Australia. The recent introduction of a clinical manager's role, their specific function, their individual career structure, the total transfer of basic nurse education characteristics and educational requirements (Fretwell fe the tertiary sector, the increased use of technology 1980, Allen 1982, Macdonald 1981, Bergman et al 1981 with economic constraints and the plethora of Hanson & Chater 1983). A few have sought to identify the changes to the organization of health care are some of specific skills and tasks undertaken hy first-line nursing the major challenges facing nursing managers (for more managers but have tended to focus on the role as it is and detail see Duffield 1988).…”