Millennial Nurse Manager Leadership Role Perspectives

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective: This study explored the experience of being a Millennial Nurse Manager; seeking to understand how these young nurse managers make meaning of their lived experience. Background: Little research is found in the literature on the experience of a being Nurse Manager and the relationship of those experiences informed by generational specifics (Saber, 2013). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) (2016) contends meeting the challenge to transform care will require the successful leadership development, preparation, and role support of the next generation of nurse leaders. Identifying the leadership role expectations of young nurses serves to address many pressing succession planning needs. Through an increased understanding of factors and influences regarding the leadership trajectory of Millennial nurses; this research will inform current nurse leaders relative to strategies and evidenced based practice that could be aimed at developing the next generation of nurse leaders. Method: This was a qualitative interpretative phenomenological research study. A purposeful targeted national sample of 25 Millennial Nurse Managers, with a minimum of 1 year of nurse manager experience in the role, participated in audio-recorded telephone interviews. Results: Seven themes emerged from this study: Coming into the Role, Learning as I Go, Having the Support of My Director, Making an Impact, Helping Staff Succeed, & Managing Change. Conclusion: There are many opportunities modify the role and to standardize the onboarding and development of these young leaders. Grants: No grant funding was obtained.