From academia to management: an integrative review of the role of practical experiences in the education of nurse managers.

Abstract

Objective. To analyze, through an integrative review, how practical experiences in nursing education contribute to the development of managerial competencies in future nurse managers. Methodology. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the LILACS, SciELO, BVS, and PubMed databases, using the descriptors: Nursing Education, Health Management, and Competency-Based Education. Publications from the last ten years (2015–2025), available in full, free of charge, and in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, were included. Narrative reviews, editorials, dissertations, theses, conference proceedings, and duplicates were excluded. A total of 11 articles met the established criteria. Results and Discussions. The training of nurse managers still faces structural challenges but has also shown progress in fostering a more critical and reflective approach to education. Strengthening managerial competencies, such as leadership, should be a priority to ensure that nurses can perform safely and effectively in health care management. Conclusion. It is essential to reformulate nursing management education by integrating theory and practice to develop managerial and leadership competencies. The adoption of active methodologies, faculty training, and curriculum updates are fundamental strategies to better prepare nurses for the challenges of management.