Generation X Nurse Managers
Better preparation
No participants mentioned a higher salary as a recommendation to promote the retention of Generation X Nurse Managers. The item most frequently mentioned was better preparation for the role. One participant elaborated on her lack of preparation by saying:
‘We orient new nurses to anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months depending on where they work, you know? The new nurse managers usually find out they’re hired and the next day; they’re in an office, here you go’.
Most participants indicated they wanted tools and skills to help them perform optimally and many sought opportunities for improvement through formal
education and nurse manager training programmes.
Innovative scheduling
Meetings seemed to be mentioned often and three participants requested that the number of meetings they were required to attend be reduced because information
was often redundant. Participants suggested that employers leverage technology by using online meetings and teleconferencing to allow scheduling flexibility. Suggestions of this sort related to organisations where nurse managers spend significant time in the car commuting across their respective city to attend a meeting. Some also mentioned they would appreciate the opportunity to work from home on occasion.
Support and feedback
Another area specifically mentioned by four of the younger Nurse Managers to promote retention of Generation X Nurse Managers included support and feedback. Several participants mentioned feeling targeted by older Nurse Managers because of their youth
or inexperience. One participant shared her position by stating: