Exploring the governance practices of nurse managers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nHealthcare managers are encouraging authorities of hospitals to appoint knowledgeable and experienced nurse managers to better coordinate and carry out the delivery of healthcare services. Nurse managers governance practices have been identified as essential in ensuring quality health care delivery. This study investigated nurse managers governance practices at the unit level.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThe study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design to gather data from 522 nurses in 19 selected hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe study findings showed that nurse managers exhibited a moderate level of governance practices. Qualification, training in management, experience as a nurse, and experience as nurse manager together had no significant influence on governance practice (R2 = 0.012, p=0.180). However, the only experience as a nurse manager was a significant predictor in the model (B=0.037, p=0.023).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nNurse managers roles and responsibilities continue to evolve within the complex healthcare system. It is important to empower nurse managers to enhance their governance practices through a well-structured program such as coaching and mentorship to improve efficiency and effectiveness at the unit level.\n\n\nIMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT\nGovernance practices of nurse managers to create a favorable environment is essential to ensure efficiency, quality, and unit outcomes. Experience as a nurse manager predicted governance practices, this implies that nurse managers should be assisted to enable them to gain experiences in governance practices.