Frontline nurse managers' confidence and self-efficacy

Aim: This study was focused on determining relationships between confidence levels and self-efficacy among nurse managers.

Background: Frontline nurse managers have a pivotal role in delivering high-quality patient care while managing the associated costs and resources. The competency and skill of nurse managers affect every aspect of patient care and staff well-being as nurse managers are largely responsible for creating work environments in which clinical nurses are able to provide high-quality, patient-centred, holistic care.

Method: A descriptive, correlational survey design was used; 85 nurse managers participated.

Results: Years in a formal leadership role and confidence scores were found to be significant predictors of self-efficacy scores.

Conclusions: Experience as a nurse manager is an important component of confidence and self-efficacy.

Implications for nursing management: There is a need to develop educational programmes for nurse managers to enhance their self-confidence and self-efficacy, and to maintain experienced nurse managers in the role.