Abstract
<jats:sec> <jats:title>OBJECTIVE</jats:title> <jats:p>This aim of this study was to understand the lived experiences of millennial-aged nurse leaders in acute care settings.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>BACKGROUND</jats:title> <jats:p>As the largest generation in the nursing workforce, millennial-aged nurses are moving into nursing leadership roles as nurses of the baby boomer generation retire. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated advancements in healthcare, but also heightened a fragile nursing profession, where nurses' resilience and nurse leaders' resilience were fully tested.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>METHODS</jats:title> <jats:p>Van Manen's approach to phenomenology guided the interviews of 10 participants.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>RESULTS</jats:title> <jats:p>Three key categories and their subcategories were identified: 1) professional development; 2) sense of belonging; and 3) growth as a leader.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>CONCLUSION</jats:title> <jats:p>This study underscores millennial nurse leaders' strong leadership inclinations, identifies key challenges, and emphasizes the need for tailored professional development, mentorship, and flexible policies to support their growth and retention.</jats:p> </jats:sec>