[Experiencing leadership in the Corona pandemic in Hessian general hospitals: A descriptive qualitative study]

Experiencing leadership in the Corona pandemic in Hessian general hospitals: A descriptive qualitative study Abstract: Background: The second corona pandemic wave is leading to high work demands on the part of nurses and managers of Hessian general hospitals. The associated organizational challenges result in burdens for the managers. Aim: Due to the importance of leaders in securing care structures, this study aims to explore their perception of their leadership role in dealing with the pandemic management. Methods: Telephone qualitative expert interviews with 13 ward and 13 nursing managers of Hessian general hospitals form the basis for the qualitative content analysis that structures the content. Results: To support the nursing staff, the managers choose a personal caring leadership style that also includes the psychosocial needs of the nursing staff. For their part, managers are exposed to high levels of burden, which they counter with professional experience, resilience and an optimistic attitude, among other things. Conclusions: Health-related leadership is essential for maintaining the health of employees. The self care of managers as well as the integration of workplace health promotion into the corporate goal of hospitals should receive more attention for the current and future safeguarding of crisis management.