From Driven Clinical Nurses to Influential Nurse Leaders: A Phenomenological Study of Millennial Nurse Leaders Experiences in Acute Care Settings.

OBJECTIVE

This aim of this study was to understand the lived experiences of millennial-aged nurse leaders in acute care settings.

BACKGROUND

As the largest generation in the nursing workforce, millennial-aged nurses are moving into nursing leadership roles as nurses of the baby boomer generation retire. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated advancements in healthcare, but also heightened a fragile nursing profession, where nurses' resilience and nurse leaders' resilience were fully tested.

METHODS

Van Manen's approach to phenomenology guided the interviews of 10 participants.

RESULTS

Three key categories and their subcategories were identified: 1) professional development; 2) sense of belonging; and 3) growth as a leader.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores millennial nurse leaders' strong leadership inclinations, identifies key challenges, and emphasizes the need for tailored professional development, mentorship, and flexible policies to support their growth and retention.