Nurses' Experiences Transitioning from Staff Nurse to Management in a Community Hospital

Nurses’ Experiences Transitioning from Staff Nurse to Management in a Community Hospital by Jennifer S. Buffenbarger MSN, Walden University, 2010 AAS, Cochise College, 1998 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University May 2016 Abstract This project study addressed the problem of frequent turnover of nurse managers at a Northeastern community hospital. The lack of retention of nurse managers has led to attenuated support for the nursing staff who continued to hold the front line in patient care. The purpose of this qualitative bounded case study was to explore nurse managers’ experiences with turnover in order to identify strategies for enhancing retention. Work empowerment and servant leadership theories served as the frameworks for the study. Research questions focused on nurse managers’ perceptions of empowerment and servant leadership characteristics that were important in decisions to assume and remain in a management/leadership role. Data collection included audio-recorded interviews with seven current or past full-time nurse managers, and observation of three of the participants at a leadership meeting. Interview transcripts were open coded and thematically analyzed. Observation data were categorized according to empowerment and servant leadership characteristics. Five themes were identified that related to research questions: struggling in management transition, seeking opportunity for transformation, being committed but powerless, embarking unprepared on an unplanned journey, and having the presence to lead others by serving. The findings of this study guided development of a 12-month program for new nurse managers that integrated characteristics of servant leadership to empower leaders and others. These contributions may promote positive social change by preparing new nurse managers for their role and developing their skills to become successful nurse managers.This project study addressed the problem of frequent turnover of nurse managers at a Northeastern community hospital. The lack of retention of nurse managers has led to attenuated support for the nursing staff who continued to hold the front line in patient care. The purpose of this qualitative bounded case study was to explore nurse managers’ experiences with turnover in order to identify strategies for enhancing retention. Work empowerment and servant leadership theories served as the frameworks for the study. Research questions focused on nurse managers’ perceptions of empowerment and servant leadership characteristics that were important in decisions to assume and remain in a management/leadership role. Data collection included audio-recorded interviews with seven current or past full-time nurse managers, and observation of three of the participants at a leadership meeting. Interview transcripts were open coded and thematically analyzed. Observation data were categorized according to empowerment and servant leadership characteristics. Five themes were identified that related to research questions: struggling in management transition, seeking opportunity for transformation, being committed but powerless, embarking unprepared on an unplanned journey, and having the presence to lead others by serving. The findings of this study guided development of a 12-month program for new nurse managers that integrated characteristics of servant leadership to empower leaders and others. These contributions may promote positive social change by preparing new nurse managers for their role and developing their skills to become successful nurse managers. Nurses’ Experiences Transitioning from Staff Nurse to Management in a Community Hospital by Jennifer S. Buffenbarger MSN, Walden University, 2010 AAS, Cochise College, 1998 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University May 2016 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation first and foremost to my husband Tom, who has endured the long hours, days, and years of a wife immersed in and consumed by the intensity of studying and writing numerous papers. I would also like to dedicate this dissertation to my parents Dernier F. Phillips and Cyril D. Phillips who unfortunately did not live to see me complete my doctoral degree—I know they are proud! Included in this dedication are my sister Kay and my brother Mansel, along with all the family and friends who provided support and encouragement, and have understood the reasons for my lack of attendance at family and social gatherings. I would also like to mention my late dog Gwinny; she slept so close to my chair that I could not move without waking her, which kept me studying longer—such a good girl. Acknowledgments It is with heart-felt appreciation that I would like to acknowledge my mentor and chair Dr. Jeanne Sorrell—a truly remarkable, compassionate professor. I would also bestow the same salutations on my committee members, Dr. Wendy Edson and Dr. Mary Howe, for their unwavering expertise and advice. If God had not wanted me to earn a doctoral degree, He would not have provided me with such devoted scholars. I would also like to acknowledge the peers who were there encouraging and supporting me throughout my doctoral journey. I especially like to acknowledge Tori Brown and Cathy Daniels—together we became the three musketeers, unconditionally supporting each other emotionally through the dissertation phase. I would like to acknowledge my nurse role models; Mrs. Linda McQueen, Mrs. Ann Barbara, Mrs. Kathy Gebo, and Mrs. Jane Jones. Not only did they offer me knowledge, but they exemplified the integrity and professional dignity that comes with being a nurse. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Donna Clews for showing me through her leadership that all nurses are leaders and teaching me not to limit myself to the status quo. Finally, I would like to extend my appreciation to the health care institution and to the nurse managers, past and present, who offered me the opportunity to gaze into their world and to become even more amazed by their professional dedication to the nursing profession.