Building managerial competence in nurse unit managers: insights from a qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to identify factors enhancing nurse unit managers’ managerial competencies and to propose practical strategies at individual and organizational levels through in-depth interviews in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design. Qualitative content analysis, as proposed by Graneheim and Lundman, was conducted on interviews with 24 nurse unit managers in South Korea. Results: An exploration of the factors enhancing managerial competencies among nurse unit managers revealed the following 5 themes and 10 subthemes: embracing change, expanding educational competency, strengthening practical skills, harmonizing generational differences, and enhancing interprofessional collaboration. Conclusions: This study identified five key themes enhancing managerial competency among nurse unit managers: embracing change, expanding educational competency, strengthening practical skills, harmonizing generational differences, and enhancing interprofessional collaboration. Individual-level factors were more prominently identified than organizational-level factors, suggesting that nurse unit managers proactively develop personal competencies as a driving force for unit improvement. Evidence-based strategies at the individual and organizational levels are proposed to strengthen nurse unit managers’ competencies in clinical practice and leadership. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. © The Author(s) 2026.