From Challenge to Change: The Journey of Millennial Nurse Unit Managers in a Shifting Healthcare Landscape

As the baby boomer generation retires, millennials increasingly assume leadership roles in hospital organizations, including as nursing unit managers. Millennials are recognized for their focus on personal growth, digital skills, and flexible work preferences; however, they face unique challenges in managing healthcare teams. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the challenges millennial nurse unit managers face in unit operations and the strategies they use to overcome them.

This qualitative study recruited 19 women participants, aged 36-43, from tertiary and general hospitals in Seoul, South Korea. Data were collected from 19 participants using semistructured interviews.

Content analysis identified four themes that nurse unit managers adopt to overcome their challenges: innovation in intergenerational communication, identification as a leader, adaptation to technological changes, and management of work-life integration.

This study's findings provide valuable insights into millennial nursing unit managers' roles, leadership approaches, and necessary competencies. Based on the findings, strategies to enhance their competencies are suggested.

Nursing management should implement tailored training programs and organizational strategies to empower millennial nurse unit managers, thereby enhancing leadership effectiveness, workforce engagement, and healthcare quality and settings.