Pin Pin Choi
Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Title: Emergency conditions in cardiosurgery and obstetrics (case report)A literature review on competency frameworks for nurse managers: Closing the gap between theory and practice
Biography
Biography: Pin Pin Choi
Abstract
Background: Increasing attention has been paid to the role of first-line nurse managers in determining organizational effectiveness. Their roles in directly affecting staff and patient outcomes have been widely recognized. However, little is known about the attributes of first-line nurse managers crucial for managerial and leadership success in healthcare. The purpose of this review was to integrate findings of previous literature that examine competency frameworks for nurse managers, so as to shed light on the issue.
Methodology: A literature search was conducted in July 2017 using CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, Cochrane Library and Web of Science.
Findings: Previous literature on nursing management and leadership competencies varies in its intensity and scope. The majority of previous works were based on commentaries and expert opinions and only some were informed by empirical research. Most studies were confined to a single type of competencies, while other studies were conducted without differentiating among the different levels of nurse managers. Nowadays nurse managers take on expanding roles and responsibilities; the competencies required for effective management and leadership are likely to be complex and hence no one set of generic competencies would apply to all levels of nurse managers. Some critics further commented that most competency frameworks developed have failed to translate into practical guidelines that aid in competency development in real contexts. Research related to the attributes of first-line nurse managers and their competencies is, in particular, scant when compared to that on nurse executives and clinical specialists.
Conclusion: Concerted scholarly efforts are needed to fill the evidence gap. Future studies should focus not only on the essential attributes of different levels of nurse managers, but by how the competencies required for effective management and leadership can be attained.