Lived experiences of head nurses in the management of nursing care unit

Abstract

Head nurses can work in various medical facilities like hospitals, treatment centers, or nursing homes. However, as a person occupying a managerial position, spearheading, and carrying out various administrative works, they are accountable for whole areas of their nursing unit as well as to reach out and disseminate information to different parties by releasing reports to top management of the facility regarding their specific nursing units. Hence, this study deemed to answer the question on what was the “lived experiences” of head nurses themselves. It was therefore, essential for these head nurses to have their insights and experiences on management be shared and valued in research and the nursing profession. This study was a qualitative research that was guided by a descriptive phenomenological approach. The Colaizzi's method of data analysis was utilized to describe the phenomenon. The data saturation point occurred upon the interview of the sixth participant. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data. The researcher used a computerized qualitative data management program to categorize and discern patterns. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed by the researcher. There were four major themes that emerged. These major themes were: 1.Primordial Reactions; 2. Value-Laden Leadership; 3. Resource Management; and 4.Having the Human Touch. However, these findings cannot be generalized to all head nurses who had experienced in managing the nursing care unit. It was recommended that they formulate training programs for nurse managers specifically head nurses to increase their engagement and to formulate or create a committee that helps and controls those situations that give difficulty to their head nurses. Lastly, this study may be used as a basis for other studies that would like to contribute to a better understanding of head nurses in the management of the nursing care unit. This may be used as a baseline for quantitative or mixed-method research that can further validate the findings.