Comparison of managerial competence of Indonesian first-line nurse managers: a two-generational analysis

Background Much research provides evidence that four age groups or generations of nurse managers exist, and it is assumed that they work and act differently according to each generation’s characteristics and attitudes, which may influence their managerial competence.Aims To compare first-line nurse managers’ managerial competence according to generational analysis across public hospitals in Indonesia.Methods This study employed a cross-sectional survey in 18 public hospitals in Indonesia with 254 first-line nurse managers selected using simple random sampling. The Indonesian First-Line Nurse Managers Managerial Competence Scale (IFLNMMCS) was used to measure managerial competence. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses using means, standard deviations and independent t -test.Results There was no significant difference in the total score of managerial competence of Generation X and Millennial first-line nurse managers ( p  = 0.077). Of five dimensions of managerial competence, only applying quality care improvement ( p  = 0.028) and financial management ( p  = 0.013) were significantly different, while leadership ( p  = 0.142), facilitating spiritual nursing care ( p  = 0.353), self-management ( p  = 0.130), staffing and professional development ( p  = 0.068) and utilizing informatics ( p  = 0.304) were not significantly different.Conclusion This study serves as a foundation for better human resource management, education and professional development for first-line nurse managers among public hospitals in Indonesia.