A nurse manager's reflections on adapting to a research role

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development

Background:

• Transitioning into new roles, such as a research secondment, presents unique challenges for nurse managers.
• Effective adaptation strategies are crucial for maintaining performance and professional growth in evolving healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of maintaining a reflective diary on a nurse manager's adaptation during a research secondment.
• To assess how reflective journaling influences the enhancement of clinical practice in a new professional context.

Main Methods:

• A nurse manager maintained a reflective diary throughout her secondment to a research role.
• Qualitative analysis of diary entries to identify themes related to adaptation and practice enhancement.

Main Results:

• The reflective diary facilitated the nurse manager's adaptation to the research environment.
• Journaling practices were associated with enhanced clinical nursing skills and confidence.

Conclusions:

• Reflective journaling is a valuable tool for nurse managers navigating role transitions and secondments.
• The practice supports professional development and the integration of research into clinical nursing.