A semi structured interview format was utilised
to assist the researcher to remain focused but
also enable in-depth exploration of information
provided by participants. The interview schedule
was derived from a review of the literature on the
topic and from the researchers’ own experience.
‘Story telling’ was adopted to ensure each member
of the group had an opportunity to describe
their most challenging experience within the
HRM context (Chell, 2004). Each participant
provided a story and on each occasion, the story
provoked discussion and recognition of similar
experiences from other participants. Participants
in the NUM group interview requested and were
granted an extension to the time allocated for
their interview. The interviews were taped with
the permission of the interviewees and transcribed.
University and Health Service ethics
approval were secured.
RESULTS
Overall, nine NUMs participated in the fi rst
focus group and fi ve RNs participated in the second.
Table 1 presents a demographic profi le of
participants.
HRM themes
Two prominent themes emerged as the key HRM
challenges facing the NUMs in their everyday
practice. The fi rst was the management of staff
behaviours requiring disciplinary intervention
and the second, retention of staff through staff
satisfaction. The latter challenge was described