Characteristics That Perinatal Nurse Managers Desire in New Nurse Hires

Nursing leaders have proposed that nurses must possess clinical competencies, including the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies, to work in today's complex health care system (^{Cronenwett et al., 2007} ). These competencies are being integrated into education, but little is known about their importance in hiring decisions. Previous studies have explored what managers look for when hiring new nurse graduates, but limited research has focused specifically on the field of perinatal health, and studies have not addressed the issue of whether managers look for evidence of these competencies in applicants. Using the QSEN framework, this study examined what characteristics and competencies were most desired by perinatal nurse managers.

Background

The literature suggests that there is much subjectivity involved in a manager's decision to hire a new nurse graduate. For many years, critical thinking, flexibility, leadership, and management skills were cited as some of the competencies most desired of registered nurses by hospital employers (^{Cleary, Lacey, & Beck-Warden, 1998} ). More recently, Hart, Olson, Fredrickson, and McGovern (²⁰⁰⁶ ) reported that managers want to hire nurses who have communication skills, can work in an interdisciplinary team, and are current in their field of practice.

The competencies reported as important by Cleary et al. (¹⁹⁹⁸ ) and Hart et al. (²⁰⁰⁶ ) have typically been ascertained through an interview process. Outside of interviews, some managers include professional portfolios as part of the hiring process (^{Patrick-Williams & Bennett, 2010} ). Hader (²⁰⁰⁹ ) suggested that candidates' references and curriculum vitae were also important factors because a curriculum vitae shows preparation and offers insight into the nurse's performance potential. Gaps in an applicant's work history, misspelled words, or inappropriate language may signal poor performance or lack of attention to detail. Hader (²⁰⁰⁹ ) also recommended that dialogue with the shared governance council should guide hiring decisions because this group is aware of the clinical and interpersonal skills necessary to function within their organization.

A new graduate's educational preparation and quantity of clinical experience factor into some managers' hiring decisions. There is growing emphasis on hiring nurses with a baccalaureate degree (BSN) for entry into practice (^{American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008} ; ^{Benner, Sutphen, Leonard, &...}