Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare professionals' work and well-being in numerous ways. Nurse managers, in particular, played a crucial and complex role in maintaining and leading healthcare services, ensuring the safety of both staff and patients, and supporting their teams. Gaining a deeper understanding of nurse managers' experiences and the factors influencing their well-being at work is essential for providing effective support in the future. The aim of this study is to describe nurse managers' experiences of work well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative interview study design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the fall 2021 between the third and fourth pandemic waves at a Finnish university hospital. Twelve nurse managers participated in online video interviews, and the data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Nurse managers' experiences of work well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic were classified into five main categories: meaningfulness of work, commitment to work, impaired physical and mental well-being, nature of work, and perceived support. These main categories included a total of 15 subcategories, reflecting a diverse range of experiences. The pandemic provided some positive experiences, allowing nurse managers to leverage their strengths and, for some, enhancing the meaningfulness and joy of their work. It also tested their mental and physical health, prompted some to consider leaving their roles, and highlighted a desire for recognition. Multiprofessional support was seen as essential. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition, encouragement, open communication, availability and multiprofessional social support are important ways of supporting nurse managers and enhancing their work well-being. Understanding factors that contribute to nurse managers' experiences during the pandemic will help organizations and nursing management develop sustainable work well-being and working environments in the future, especially during crises. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.