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Leadership competencies of first-line nurse managers: a quantitative study.

PURPOSE
This paper aims to examine the leadership competencies of first-line nurse managers (FLNMs) at the unit level in the eastern region of Ghana.


DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH
The paper is a quantitative cross-section design.


FINDINGS
Nurse managers exhibited a moderate level of knowledge and ability to apply leadership competencies. Gender, rank, qualification, professional experience, management experience and management training jointly predicted the leadership competencies of FLNMs [(R2 = 0.158, p = 0.016]. However, only management training was a significant predictor in the model.


PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Inappropriate leadership competencies have severe consequences for patients and staff outcomes. This situation necessitates a call for a well-structured program for the appointment of FLNMs based on competencies.


ORIGINALITY/VALUE
This study is the first in Ghana which we are aware of that examined the leadership competencies at the unit level that identifies predictors of leadership competencies.