Masters in nursing degrees: an evaluation of management and leadership outcomes using a retrospective pre-test design.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to measure the leadership and management abilities of graduates who had completed a master's degree in nursing.


BACKGROUND
A number of reports have recommended that leadership competencies be integrated into education programmes for nurses at a master's level. In spite of the growth in the number of graduates from higher degrees in nursing, there is a paucity of evidence on the management and leadership outcomes that develop as a result of undertaking a master's degree.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey using a retrospective pre-test design was used to measure self-reported leadership and management outcomes from the graduates' educational programmes.


RESULTS
Results found that graduates had gained significantly on their ability to change practice, communicate and work as part of a team and to problem solve as an outcome of completing a master's degree in nursing.


CONCLUSIONS
Graduates make substantial gains in leadership and management capabilities as a consequence of their higher degree. These capabilities are necessary as nurses take the lead in many areas of healthcare.


CONCLUSIONS
The masters in nursing degree now has a pivotal role in providing effective continuing education to the nursing profession; especially for those who occupy or intend to occupy senior positions within clinical, management or education branches of the profession.
Institute of Leadership, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain. jonathandrennan@rcsi.ie
Jonathan
J
Drennan
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report