Nurse managers are pivotal to the successful implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). However, enhancing their skills and competencies remains a critical priority. Assessing the influence of nurse managers' competencies in managing and practicing EBP is essential, as it directly impacts outcomes across all levels of healthcare institutions.
This study explored how leadership, organizational support, and knowledge management influence EBP implementation among nurse managers.
A descriptive correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of nurse managers in seven Egyptian hospitals. A total of 369 nurse managers completed three validated instruments: EBP Leadership and Organizational Support Scale (EBPLOSS), Knowledge Management Competencies for Nurse Managers (KMQN), and EBP Questionnaire (EBPQ). Descriptive statistics, hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied for data analysis.
Nurse managers reported high levels of perceived EBP leadership (84.7%), organizational support (79.52%), knowledge management (KM) competencies (75.15%), and EBP implementation (74.83%). SEM analysis identified KM competencies as the strongest predictor of EBP implementation, with a direct effect (B = 0.86, p < 0.001) accounting for 86% of the total effect. EBP leadership significantly influenced EBP implementation both directly (β = 0.31, p = 0.02) and indirectly through KM competencies (B = 0.89, p < 0.001). Organizational support showed a minimal direct effect (B = 0.13, p < 0.05) and a slightly negative indirect effect through KM competencies (B = −0.10, p < 0.001).
KM competencies are critical for EBP implementation, mediating the effects of leadership and organizational support. Healthcare organizations should enhance nurse managers' KM skills, foster transformational leadership, and create supportive environments. Future research should address barriers and explore longitudinal relationships in EBP implementation from a managerial perspective.
Commentary on: Michinov E, Robin G, Hémon B, Béranger R, Boissart M. Protective resources against stress among student nurses: influences of self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and conflict management styles. Nurse Educ Pract. 2024 Jan;74:103849. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103849. Epub 2023 Nov 22.
Implications for practice and research Educational programmes should include simulations and role playing to enhance student nurses’ self-efficacy and reduce stress. Integrating emotional intelligence training into nursing education aids students in managing emotional demands. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to uncover causal relationships among factors.
Clinical practice training introduces stress to student nurses due to potential conflicts with patients, families and supervisors.
Having robust power sources and employing effective influence tactics are essential leadership skills for nurse managers in managing human resources, providing quality care, and managing workplace conflict among nurses.
The present study aimed to investigate how bedside nurses perceived their nurse managers' power bases, influence tactics, and conflict management styles. Furthermore, the study investigated the relationship among power bases, influence tactics, and conflict management styles.
A descriptive correlational study was conducted at the inpatient care unit of a Saudi hospital. A convenient sample of n = 230 nurses completed the Power Base scale, Influence Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ-R), and Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II).
Nurses believed their managers were most likely to use referent, legitimate, and expert sources to exercise their power; appreciation and consultation tactics to influence others; and an integrative style to manage conflict. Significant positive correlations were found between the perceived overall power bases and each of the influence behaviors and conflict management styles (r = .466, r = .383, p < .05, respectively). The values of the regression coefficient of power bases significantly contribute to the prediction of 67.8% and 42.2% of the explained variance of influence behaviors and conflict management styles, respectively. In addition, influence behaviors can play a mediating role in this prediction.
Nurse managers should be able to demonstrate the benefit of controlling a wide range of power bases and know how to use influence behaviors and conflict management styles skillfully in each situation to achieve desired goals.