Nurse managers and the sandwich support model

Aim: To explore the interplay between the work of nurse managers and the support they receive and provide. Background: Support is the cornerstone of management practices and is pivotal in employees feeling committed to an organisation. Support for nurse managers is integral to effective health sector management; its characteristics merit more attention. Methods: The experiences of 15 nurse managers in rural health institutions in South Australia were explored using structured interviews, observation and document review. Results: Effective decision making requires adequate support, which influences the perceptions and performance of nurse managers, creating an environment in which they feel appreciated and valued. An ideal support system is proposed, the “sandwich support model,” to promote effective functioning and desirable patient outcomes via support “from above” and “from below.” Implications for Nursing Management: The need to support nurse managers effectively is crucial to how they function. The sandwich support model can improve management practices, more effectively assisting nurse managers. Organisations should revisit and strengthen support processes for nurse managers to maximize efficiencies. Conclusion: This paper contributes to understanding the importance of supporting nurse managers, identifying the processes used and the type of support offered. It highlights challenges and issues affecting support practices within the health sector.