Objective: This article provides insights into the role of management relations on nurses' career satisfaction across different career stages.
Background: Managers and positive relations with staff are critical to improving job satisfaction, career development, and retention for new graduates to mid- to late-career nurses.
Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, we conducted a thematic analysis of 18 focus groups held in 8 Canadian provinces with 185 student, early-career, and mid- to late-career nurse participants.
Results: Student participants expressed the need for a supportive environment to enable successful transition to practice. Early-career nurses expected effective leadership at the unit level, effective communication, and positive working relationships to enable best care outcomes. Mid- to late-career nurses were most dissatisfied with management interactions and relationships.
Conclusions: Management relations are important across all career stages, affecting patient care and job satisfaction. Findings provide insight into how nurse-manager relations can be enhanced from new graduate support to guidance in career development and ongoing recognition and respect for nurses throughout their careers.