Nurses Lived Experience of Transition From Bedside Nurse to Nurse Manager in Jordan: A Qualitative Study

The transition from bedside nurse to nurse manager can be challenging, and it needs more studies in Jordan. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore the transition experience from a bedside nurse to a nurse manager in a governmental hospital in Jordan. The researcher utilized an interpretive phenomenological approach. Data collection included audio-recorded face-to-face semistructured interviews with 12 full-time nurse managers. The findings of this study identified six themes representing the experience of transition from bedside nurse to nurse manager: (1) swapping their nursing uniforms for administrative suits seeking transformation, (a) guidance and support: hand in hand and (b) nurse manager is a servant leader; (2) struggled to make a difference while being pulled in all directions with subthemes (a) single-handed, (b) accountability without authority; and (3) sewing the executive suits with empowerment. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicated that the experience of transition from bedside nurse to nurse manager includes positive and negative aspects that are manifested by a willingness to wear the administrative suits, support, and guidance received either from the manager or from the staff nurses, and the presence of networking and empowerment to be effective as a new nurse manager. At the same time, the negative experiences were a lack of preparedness, lack of autonomy, frustration, and meeting the needs of top and lower managerial levels. Healthcare administrators must implement specialized training programs and assign mentors to facilitate the transition from bedside nurse to nurse manager, ensuring that new nurse managers are qualified to improve patient outcomes.