THE ROLE OF NURSES IN HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS: CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STRENGTHENING HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Brazilian hospitals are classified as public, private for-profit, and philanthropic, each with specific characteristics that influence their management. In public hospitals, management has become essential to improve the quality of services. Nurses stand out in this context, acting not only in care but also in team management and coordination. However, they face challenges such as lack of recognition, insufficient management training, and work overload, which compromise their strategic role in public health. The study aims to analyze the role of nurse managers in public hospitals, highlighting their responsibilities, challenges, and impact on the quality of care. The study used a bibliographic review (2019–2024), with articles selected from databases such as Scielo, BVS, and Google Scholar. The studies analyzed demonstrate the strategic role of nurses in public hospital management, despite challenges such as inadequate training, work overload, and lack of institutional recognition. The importance of skills in leadership, communication, decision-making, and the use of innovative tools, such as lean healthcare, is highlighted. The literature also points to the need for policies of valorization, continuing education and political articulation, reinforcing the role of nurses as key managers for improving quality in the SUS. The analysis concludes that nurses have a strategic role in public hospital management, but face challenges such as inadequate training, lack of institutional recognition and lack of organizational support. Strengthening their performance requires continuing education, valorization policies and effective inclusion in decision-making processes to qualify the SUS.