• L Baillie.
• Faculty of Health Care and Social Studies, University of Luton, UK.
• J Nurs Manag. 1999 Jul 1;7(4):225-34.

AimThis action research project aimed to investigate students', newly qualified staff nurses' and ward managers' views about the management skills and knowledge required by staff nurses, and how best students could be prepared for their management role.BackgroundThe importance of the staff nurse's management role is increasingly being recognized but the literature highlights the difficulties in preparing students for management, and personal experience confirmed this.MethodsFocus group interviews were held with senior students and newly qualified staff nurses. A questionnaire was then developed which was completed by 23 ward managers.FindingsA good insight into the management skills and knowledge expected of newly qualified staff nurses, and useful ideas about preparation for the role emerged. An extra 2 weeks in practice, supernumerary and with specific management learning outcomes, was implemented and evaluated well.ConclusionsPreparation of students for their management role as staff nurses benefits from being closely linked to practical experience, with clear learning outcomes and supportive clinical staff. Using an action research approach to investigate the problem and develop a strategy was found to be an appropriate methodology.

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