Challenges for nurse managers in China.
OBJECTIVE
To critically review the challenges facing nurse leaders in China during healthcare reform.


BACKGROUND
China is now undergoing a major reform aimed at enhancing the accessibility and quality of its healthcare at a level that is affordable to the people. Nurses have a key role to play in this reform.


RESULTS
Key documents produced by the government of China were critically reviewed using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) framework.


RESULTS
A number of factors, including the insufficient number of nurses and the medical orientation of the health system, have hindered the development of nursing. However, healthcare reform has created new opportunities for nurses and nursing.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper reviews the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by nurse managers in China. It identifies barriers but also possibilities for nurse leaders to advance nursing and make nurses visible in this era of transforming healthcare.


CONCLUSIONS
Many of the issues identified in this review, such as the enhancement of quality and accessibility of care, are important to nurse leaders around the world. However, this article reveals the particular challenges faced by nurse leaders in China, with its unique social and historical background.
Wong
Frances Kam Yuet
FK
School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China. hsfwong@inet.polyu.edu.hk
D002681:China; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009729:Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends