The Journey to First-Line Nursing Management: A Qualitative Study in a Spanish University Hospital.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To explore nurse managers' perceptions at first-line, middle and executive levels regarding their transition to first-line management in two divisions of a highly specialised university hospital in Spain.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Method

A purposive sampling technique was employed to conduct four focus groups and two semi-structured interviews with 31 nurse managers across three hierarchical levels in two divisions of a highly specialised university hospital in Spain. Participants included two Chief Nursing Officers, four Nursing Directors and 25 first-line nurse managers. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Three themes emerged: 'Bridging the Readiness Gap: Training, Role Clarity, and Institutional Alignment', revealing the lack of struc

SUBMITTER: Esquisabel-Soteras B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12721930 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature