Practice-based training in nurse management development: a case study.

Abstract

One hundred and twenty nurse managers within the Central Sydney Area Health Service completed a program designed to concurrently strengthen professional skills and management systems. The program was based on functional review of work practices. It required consultation with the unit staff and collaboration with other sections of the organisation in designing and implementing quality improvement projects. The success of the program supports the idea that adult learners benefit from the opportunity to reflect on their experience at work. The program demonstrated that nurse managers will make major contributions to improvements in an organisation when the review process is legitimised, when they can participate in developing a framework for the review, and when organisational support is provided.