Examining the Perspectives of Nurse Managers on Missed Nursing Care in Surgical Units

Abstract

Objective: To examine nurse managers' perspectives on missed nursing care (MNC) on surgical units.

Background: The phenomenon of MNC is an important concern for nurse researchers. However, the reality of how it is experienced by clinical nurse managers is largely unexplored. Understanding nurse managers' experiences with MNC could help develop useful approaches to reducing levels of MNC.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted between December and June 2020, using face-to-face semistructured interviews with 10 nurse managers.

Results: Five themes were identified: 1) awareness of MNC; 2) rationale for MNC; 3) consequences of MNC; 4) questions of reporting; and 5) management of MNC.

Conclusions: Nurse managers must use their positions and leadership skills to expect appropriate staffing approaches and material resources for surgical units, effective process for newly hired nurses, and the establishment of a reporting system for MNC to reduce the phenomenon in practice.