A qualitative study to explain the criteria of nursing managers in selecting effective nursing diagnosis

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explain the criteria of managers at different levels of nursing in selecting effective nursing diagnosis. Methods In conventional content analysis, 10 nursing managers at different levels including head nurse, supervisor, and nursing manager were interviewed. Data was collected with semi-structured interviews and a narrative approach. Data analysis was performed using the Zhang–Wildemuth method simultaneously with sampling. Results Four head nurses, four supervisors (educational, clinical), and two nursing managers were interviewed. The results of the analysis led to the extraction of two main categories: centrality of the nursing profession, with the sub-categories compatibility with nursing practices and compliance with organizational and professional principles of nursing, and covering the patient care aspect, with sub-categories of having potential to facilitate and adapting to patient care conditions. Conclusions The analysis of the views of nursing managers shows that health managers should consider various management aspects such as functional and organizational to increase the efficiency of nursing interventions in the selection of nursing diagnostic systems. From the point of view of health managers, nursing diagnoses should cover the considerations of patients, nurses, and work environments.