Aim To understand the experiences of hospital nurse managers and assistant nurse managers during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. Background Little research has been published about the experiences of nurse managers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Experiences of front‐line nurses have been well documented. This is the first phenomenological study to date in the United States on experiences of hospital nurse managers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design Phenomenological qualitative approach. Methods Thirteen managers, seven nurse managers and six assistant nurse managers were interviewed about their experiences using audio–video teleconferencing and a semi‐structured interview guide. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research criteria for reporting qualitative research were used. Results The four major themes that emerged were as follows: being there for everyone; leadership challenges; struggles, support and coping; and strengthening my role. There were 11 subthemes. Conclusions A major focus of nurse managers during the pandemic was psychosocial support of front‐line nurses while at the same time experiencing stress and exhaustion themselves. Implications for nursing management More attention on the psychosocial needs of nurse managers, interventions to allay their exhaustion and provisions for readily available support are warranted.