Nurse manager cognitive decision-making amidst stress and work complexity

Journal of Nursing ManagementVolume 21, Issue 1 p. 17-30 Nurse manager cognitive decision-making amidst stress and work complexity MARIA R. SHIREY PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, MARIA R. SHIREY PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions, EvansvilleSearch for more papers by this authorPATRICIA R. EBRIGHT PhD, CNS, RN, FAAN, PATRICIA R. EBRIGHT PhD, CNS, RN, FAAN Associate DeanSearch for more papers by this authorANNA M. McDANIEL PhD, RN, FAAN, ANNA M. McDANIEL PhD, RN, FAAN Chancellor’s Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean, Center for Research and Scholarship, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USASearch for more papers by this author MARIA R. SHIREY PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, MARIA R. SHIREY PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions, EvansvilleSearch for more papers by this authorPATRICIA R. EBRIGHT PhD, CNS, RN, FAAN, PATRICIA R. EBRIGHT PhD, CNS, RN, FAAN Associate DeanSearch for more papers by this authorANNA M. McDANIEL PhD, RN, FAAN, ANNA M. McDANIEL PhD, RN, FAAN Chancellor’s Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean, Center for Research and Scholarship, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 14 February 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01380.xCitations: 33 Maria R. ShireyUniversity of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions8600 University Boulevard, HP-2044EvansvilleIN 47712USAE-mail: [email protected] Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract Aim The present study provides insight into nurse manager cognitive decision-making amidst stress and work complexity. Background Little is known about nurse manager decision-making amidst stress and work complexity. Because nurse manager decisions have the potential to impact patient care quality and safety, understanding their decision-making processes is useful for designing supportive interventions. Methods This qualitative descriptive study interviewed 21 nurse managers from three hospitals to answer the research question: What decision-making processes do nurse managers utilize to address stressful situations in their nurse manager role? Face-to-face interviews incorporating components of the Critical Decision Method illuminated expert–novice practice differences. Content analysis identified one major theme and three sub-themes. Results The present study produced a cognitive model that guides nurse manager decision-making related to stressful situations. Experience in the role, organizational context and situation factors influenced nurse manager cognitive decision-making processes. Conclusions Study findings suggest that chronic exposure to stress and work complexity negatively affects nurse manager health and their decision-making processes potentially threatening individual, patient and organizational outcomes. Implications for Nursing Management Cognitive decision-making varies based on nurse manager experience and these differences have coaching and mentoring implications. This present study contributes a current understanding of nurse manager decision-making amidst stress and work complexity. References Benner P. (1984) From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Addison-Wesley, Menlo Park, CA. Carroll A., Lacey S.R. & Cox K.S. (2004) Comparing variations in labor costs for two versus one full-time nurse manager. Nursing Economics 22 (5), 254– 257. Crandall B., Klein G.A. & Hoffman R.R. (2006) Working Minds: A Practitioner’s Guide to Cognitive Task Analysis. MIT Press, London. 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