Training Priority for Managerial Competence of Nurse Managers in Small and Medium-Sized Hospitals: Focusing on the Management Level

INTRODUCTION: The managerial competence of nurse managers varies according to their management level. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the training priority of managerial competence for nurse managers in small- and medium-sized hospitals based on their management level. METHODS: Nurse managers (122 front-line and 65 middle-level nurse managers and chief nurse executives (CNEs)) from 21 small- and medium-sized hospitals with less than 300 beds participated in a survey. T-test and Borich Priority were analyzed. RESULTS: Nurse managers identified control competence as the most significant management function in both groups. The training priority for front-line nurse managers was motivation in directing, while it was human resource development in human resource management for middle-level nurse managers and, CNEs. CONCLUSION: Five management strategies were reported, which will be the basis for future systematic nursing management in nursing organizations.