Management needs of head nurses and supervisors: designing a continuing education course.

Studies have confirmed the need for continuing education (CE) management courses for hospital nurse managers facing new challenges as decentralization has occurred. Increased problem-solving and decision-making skills are necessary as middle nurse managers attempt to manage more effectively in the current healthcare climate. Head nurses and supervisors may well have the most stressful positions in hospitals. A needs assessment of these individuals was conducted in order to design a management course to provide practical knowledge for contemporary nurse managers.