Every nurse can name a manager who shaped their career — for better or for worse.

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Kim McMillan from the University of Ottawa, Brandi and Darlene dive into the realities of the nurse manager role. Kim breaks down the balancing act managers face every day, from advocating for their staff to navigating executive expectations, bureaucracy, and system-level constraints.

Together, they explore the qualities that define strong leadership, why so many managers are set up to struggle, and what needs to change to build leaders nurses can trust and workplaces where leadership truly supports safe care.

More About Dr. McMillan

To learn more about Dr. McMillan’s research, you can find her section on nurse managers in the following CFNU report. Her analysis, “Management Matters,” appears on pages 34–36:

Today’s Nurse: What Contemporary Canadian Nurses Need to Stay in the Workforce for the Longevity of Their Career

About MNU

Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) represents more than 13,000 nurses across the province, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and quality patient care. Since 1975, MNU has been a bold voice for nurses, providing support and pushing for a stronger healthcare system. Learn more at manitobanurses.ca.

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Shift Happens is an MNU podcast, hosted by Darlene Jackson and Brandi Johnson. The show is produced and edited by Chynna Hill. Special thanks to Jane Chartrand for our show art and branding. Music and SFX on the show are produced by Ty Kiddo (https://www.instagram.com/tykiddomusic/).