A Cross Sectional Study to Examine Perspective of Nursing Unit Managers on Factors Affecting the Effective Performance of Their Roles in the Volta Regional Hospital, Ghana

Background: This study examined the perspective of nursing unit managers on factors affecting the effective performance of their roles in the Volta regional hospital, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 32 nursing unit managers from the Volta regional hospital. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: Barriers to the effective performance of nursing unit managers’ roles identified by participants were lack of motivation 22 (69%), lack of logistics 21 (66%),inadequate staffing 18 (56%), lack of support from superiors 16 (50%), interference of role performance by other health personnel16(50%),poor delegation of authority from superiors 15 (47%), lack of training in management and leadership skills 9(28%), absenteeism of staff 8 (25%) and lack of clear articulated goals 7 (22%). Participants also identified several factors that facilitate the effective performance of their roles to include the capability of staff to attend to their jobs 20 (63%), mutually supportive relationship 16 (50%), motivation of staff (44%), performance appraisal system 14 (44%), clear goals from superiors (38%), availability of logistics 9 (28%) and regular feedback on performance by superiors 6 (19%). Conclusion: The study concluded that healthcare managers should develop orientation and training programs for newly recruited nursing unit managers and as well establish more formalized networking groups for both novice and expert managers for mentorship on nursing unit manager’s role.