Role and working conditions of hospital nurse managers: A binational study from Peru and Mexico

Abstract

Purpose: To examine perceptions and experiences of nurses working in Peru and Mexico about their management role and working conditions at the hospital.

Methods: Twenty four focus groups were conducted with 164 nurses. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using a content analysis technique.

Results: Themes identified were: regarding their perception of their role identifies two aspects: management and nursing staff and resources and motivation and commitment to the management function of nursing care, with regard to working conditions are identified: workload and number of nurses deficiency, deficiency in resources to perform the work of nurses and a need for recognition in its management function, also was identified an issue related to the training of undergraduate and graduate students, by identifying a disagreement with current training in undergraduate nursing professionals, as well as the need for continuing education in the management function.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand the impact of nursing management in patient care and outcomes at hospitals in Latin America.

Implications for practice: Understanding the role and working conditions of nurse managers could inform management policies in Peru and Mexico and address the nurse shortage affecting Latin America.