Relationship between Time Management Behaviors of Nurse Managers and Nurses' Competency, in Social security Hospitals of Tehran, 2011.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Time management skill is a comprehensive concept which is correlated with qualitative improvement of performance. Time management abilities and performance of nurses should be necessarily promoted in order for improving human resources in health section. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between time management behaviors of nurse managers and competency of nursing staff in Tehran's Social Security Hospitals, Iran, in 2011. Methods and Materials: This was a descriptive –correlational study in which 85 nursing managers and 170 nurses were selected through census and random convenient sampling method, respectively among the nurses and nursing managers employed in Tehran's Social Security Hospitals. In order for data collection, a standard questionnaire was used that had high reliability and validity consisting of demographic characteristics, time management inventory, Spreitzer Psychological Empowerment Instrument and nurse clinical competence scale. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS software 14. Results: The highest and lowest mean scores were related to clinical competencies in managing situation dimension and diagnostic function, respectively. Moreover, the highest mean score in psychological empowerment was associated with competency dimension and the lowest mean score was also associated with independence or autonomy dimension. Mean score of nurse psychological empowerment was 35.45 (4.82) and Mean score of nurse clinical competence was 157.2 (17.19) which indicated extremely high level of capability in nurses. Mean score of time managements was 143.22 (18.66) and 136.04 (21.45) in managers' and nurses' view, respectively. There was a significant correlation between time management of nursing managers and nurses' competency (r=0.21, p<0.05) and increase of time management from managers caused increased capability in nurses. Conclusion: The nurses believed that their nursing managers highly benefited from time management in their performance and the managers also believed so. Believing in the importance of time management and its vital role in quality nursing care for clients, nursing managers, particularly head nurses as top first level (operational) managers are expected to improve organizations' goals and advances in order to modify weakness and shortages and promote the skills and capabilities of their staff.