Nursing unit managers: responsibility without power?

Abstract

Study background: The Australian Healthcare workplace culture: • Traditional roles in healthcare (Diers 2004) • Nurses' lack of voice and input into the decisions of healthcare organisations (Buresh & Gordon 2000; Diers 2004; Sullivan 2005) • Gendered nursing image and identity (Speedy 2006). Study topic: The working world of nurse managers. I explored perceptions of the role from those in the position, I was interested in hearing about: • Workload/organisational expectations • Workplace geography • Education/support for the role • Identify as a nurse or a manager? • Is power commensurate with responsibilities? • Job satisfaction level • Challenges/concerns • Achievements/rewards • Rural focus