Making a degree of difference: a grounded theory study of masters qualified nurses in Australia

Aim: To understand how a Master of Nursing qualification enables RNs to make a difference in clinical settings in Australia. Background: Master of Nursing qualified registered nurses (RNs) serve an important function in the nursing workforce. They are highly educated leaders equipped with advanced clinical capabilities to optimise healthcare delivery. Master of Nursing qualified RNs invest significant amounts of time, energy and money to become highly educated, yet they are an under represented population in the nursing workforce with limited literature on the extent of their contributions in clinical settings. Design: Grounded theory methodology using a constructivist approach. Method: Data were collected in two phases using theoretical sampling principles, comprising fourteen unstructured individual interviews and two focus groups, which collectively involved thirteen participants. Data were analysed using grounded theory methods. Findings: The core process to explain the impact of Master of Nursing qualified RNs in clinical settings is making a difference. Data analysis also supported three interrelated phases; making a choice, grappling with reality and spreading their wings. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for further research on the experiences of Master of Nursing qualified RNs and their pathway to developing advanced practice. Decisive leadership at the national policy level is required to provide greater standardisation and regulation of Master of Nursing programs and to support the transition of Master of Nursing qualified RNs into advanced clinical practice. These measures will address the need to build a supply of Master of Nursing qualified RNs who are optimised for enhanced patient safety and quality of care.