Management development: a study of nurse managerial activities and skills.

This study discusses an activity competency model that may be used to investigate the perceived importance of managerial activities and skills required by three levels of nurse managers (top, middle, and supervisory management). Our findings indicate that the importance of nurse managerial activities differs significantly according to the level of nurse management. A set of critical managerial activities and skills/knowledge needs for each level of nurse managers was identified in the study. These findings provide guidelines for nursing-management development programs, training, and career planning. They also can serve as a guideline for recruiting and selecting an effective nurse manager.