From Driven Clinical Nurses to Influential Nurse Leaders: A Phenomenological Study of Millennial Nurse Leaders' Experiences in Acute Care Settings
Millennials are the largest generational cohort in the United States workforce. This group brings a unique essence to the workplace, as the first generation who were raised as digital natives. Their socio-historical experiences have shaped millennials’ values, beliefs, and perceptions. Millennial-aged nurses are moving into nursing leadership roles as nurses of the baby boomer generation retire. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated advancements in healthcare, but also heightened a fragile nursing profession, where nurses’ and nurse leaders’ resilience were fully tested. The Review of Literature examined millennials pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic and millennial nurse managers’ experiences; however, no studies were found that examined all roles of millennial nurse leaders’ experiences in the acute care setting. This study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological methodology, guided by Karl Manheim’s Theory of Generations theoretical framework. The study’s research question was: What are the lived experiences of millennial nurse leaders in acute care settings? The study’s findings indicated millennial nurse leaders’ experiences centered around professional development, sense of belonging, and growth as a leader. The study’s findings have implications for nursing practice, education, and policy.
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The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston