title: Masters at work: a narrative inquiry into the experiences of mental health nurses qualifying with an undergraduate Masters degree.
abstract: The University of Nottingham provides a unique course in the UK that enables undergraduate students to obtain a Masters degree and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The curriculum equips graduates with the skills to practice nursing with an analytical attitude and adopt both professional and humanistic values. This research aims to explore significant experiences of graduates, from the undergraduate Masters course, relating to their education and nursing practice in mental health care. A narrative approach to data collection was employed using unstructured individual interviews. Participants worked through a process of contemplation. Their commitment to working with people in a relational manner and studying at graduate level were of high importance. The process continued with assimilation to a philosophy which was intrinsic to the course, including developing therapeutic relationships, self awareness and critical thinking. Participants encountered conflict relating to a perceived dissonance between this philosophy and nursing practice. As a consequence, participants questioned mental health nursing and their abilities as nurses. Resolution occurred when participants were able to work within the constraints of the system whilst effectively realising their philosophy. The findings demonstrate the importance of supportive networks to maintain values and criticality.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, Derby Education Centre, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, London Road, Derby, DE1 2QY, United Kingdom. gemma.stacey@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stacey
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Felton
authors.forename: Kirstie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Joynson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003479:Curriculum; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D033262:Narration; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013850:Thinking