title: Outcomes of master's education in nursing.
abstract: This qualitative, descriptive study examined changes in perspective experienced by 22 recent graduates of Master's in Nursing programs from three Ontario universities. Participants responded to semi-structured, taped interviews and recounted personal, practice, and attitudinal changes they could attribute to completing a Master's program in Nursing. Among outcomes were personal ones including greater self-confidence, credibility, and acuity of critical thinking. Deeper and broader world-views of the profession and health care were evident. All participants valued evidence-based practice, reporting greater use of multiple information sources. Participants communicated with other professionals on more equal terms and some described a multicultural function, translating knowledge between staff nurses and members of other disciplines. Pride in nursing and its potential for shaping health care was a recurring theme. More professional opportunities became available following Master's studies. The outcomes of this study contribute to understanding the effects of graduate education in nursing.
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa. bcragg@uottawa.ca
authors.forename: C E Betty
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Cragg
authors.forename: Mary-Anne
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Andrusyszyn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D011361:Professional Competence; D012649:Self Concept; D013850:Thinking