The relationship of perceived nurse manager competence with job satisfaction and turnover intention among clinical nurses: an analytical cross-sectional study

Nursing managers have the potential to significantly impact the outcomes of nurses, patients, and organizations. Their competencies for effective performance are crucial. The global nursing workforce is facing a severe shortage of nurses. Dissatisfaction with management is one of the most important reasons for nurses' inclination to leave their jobs. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between nursing managers' competencies, job satisfaction and intention to leave among clinical nurses.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 354 nurses in five hospitals affiliated with Ardabil University of Medical Sciences from May to August 2023. This research used web-based software to design demographic information forms, nurse manager competency scale, turnover intention, and single-item job satisfaction questionnaires. The significance level for the study was set at p < 0.05.

This study revealed that participants had an average score of 3.06 out of 5 in perceived nurse manager competence. Only one-fourth of the participants (25.7%) were satisfied with their current job, and less than half (46.9%) intended to leave. Employee support and development, change and resource management, supervision and quality monitoring, and personal mastery positively influenced nurses' job satisfaction. These competencies hurt employees' intention to leave their jobs.

The research findings indicate that nursing managers in Iran have lower competency than in previous studies. Developing and strengthening these competencies is very important, as it significantly improves job satisfaction and reduces nurses' tendency to leave their jobs. Additionally, the results show that nursing managers who excel in supporting and developing staff, resource management, quality supervision, and personal mastery positively impact nurses' job satisfaction. However, these competencies can also help reduce employees' intention to leave their jobs. Retaining and maintaining nurses in the healthcare field is of utmost importance.