NURSING MANAGEMENT IN CONTEMPORARY UKRAINE: CHALLENGES AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES IN WARTIME CONDITIONS

Introduction. In the current wartime conditions in Ukraine, the healthcare system has undergone profound transformations, necessitating enhanced efficiency in the management of medical institutions, particularly in the field of nursing. Management in nursing practice has acquired special significance, as nurses form the backbone of the healthcare system – ensuring continuity of patient care, coordination of interdisciplinary teams, and the adaptation of medical processes to crisis situations. The aim of study – to analyze the distinctive features of nursing management in modern Ukraine, to define its conceptual foundations, and to identify the essential professional and personal qualities that enable nurses to perform effectively as managers and leaders in a healthcare system operating under the pressures of war and reconstruction. The main part. Nursing management is defined as a scientifically grounded activity aimed at the effective organization of nursing staff, the rational use of available resources, and the improvement of healthcare quality. In modern healthcare, a nurse performs not only traditional caregiving duties but also acts as a manager, coordinator, consultant, and mentor for patients and colleagues. The key professional competencies of a nurse manager include strategic thinking, decision-making ability, leadership, psychological resilience, ethical conduct, and readiness to act under uncertainty. Under wartime conditions, the need for rapid decision-making, crisis management, organization of nursing care in resource-limited settings, and the provision of moral and psychological support to the wounded, civilians, and medical personnel has become paramount. The modern model of nursing envisions the nurse as a highly educated specialist capable not only of performing clinical duties but also of effectively managing the nursing process, implementing evidence-based medical standards, and fostering the professional growth of the healthcare team. Conclusions. The professional role of the nurse in Ukraine today extends far beyond traditional patient care, encompassing managerial, educational, and psychological functions. In wartime, the nurse’s role as a manager becomes especially critical, as nurses ensure the stability, flexibility, and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. The development of managerial competencies among nurses is a strategic priority for the advancement of Ukrainian healthcare — aimed at improving the quality of nursing care, strengthening human resources, and reinforcing the resilience of the healthcare system in times of crisis.