Leading Through Chaos

Abstract

Today’s high staff turnover environment, coupled with large spans of control, has the potential to impact the nurse manager (NM) role and responsibilities. Focus groups were conducted with 87 NMs working in acute care settings to understand how the current environment has reshaped their leadership role. The following 5 themes emerged: uncertainties, challenges, and opportunities; deviation from basics; altered leadership identity; rebuilding care environment and culture; and re-prioritization of leadership/management skills. High nurse turnover has impacted NMs personally and professionally, altering their leadership identify and work-life balance.