Higher education, more so the postgraduate level is a subject of concern for many professional fields. The skills learned during this period prove to be vital in tackling today’s global concerns at a sophisticated level. The healthcare sector has also not been left behind. Nurses are now being compelled to advance to postgraduate studies and acquire evidenced-based practices that can help improve the healthcare delivery system.
Hickman et al. (2018) conducted a study that assessed the importance of capstone projects within the Masters of Nursing program, which encourages the development of evidence-based practice capabilities. Capstone projects are tasks which a Master’s student is supposed to develop and conduct extensive research to reach informed conclusions. The projects are vital in facilitating the development of evidence-based practices among the students. The researchers noted that with a Master’s Degree, a nurse exhibits improvement when it comes to evidence-based practices. This is particularly useful in today’s healthcare system where extensive research is essential to tackle the evolving challenges and at the same time, ensure the safety and well-being of the patients.
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Additionally, the Francis Report (Francis, 2013) suggested that a lack of clinical leadership in the healthcare organization. The report noted that the skill was absent at significant levels such as board and middle management, leading to inadequate delivery of services. A study conducted concurrently with the report suggested that there is evidence that supports the development of practical leadership skills in nurses who have undergone postgraduate training. Leadership is an integral part of any organization, and it is a tool that steers the firm forward; thus, a crippled leadership, leads to stagnated developments. Therefore, a postgraduate trained nurse will offer effective leadership skills that will facilitate the organization in fulfilling its strategic objectives.
A Master’s Nursing Degree has the potential to empower a Nurse in how he/ she handles day to day challenges. Clark, Casey, and Morris (2015) conducted a study that analyzed how Master’s education on nurses changed their way of thinking and synthesizing information. The authors noted that with a Master’s degree, improved cognitive functioning and enhanced evidence-based practice were observed. This study mirrors Hickman et al. findings in that a Master’s degree develops evidence-based practices. In a hospital environment, healthcare providers are faced with constant pressure between balancing new treatment regimens and the safety of the patient. A Master’s trained nurse has improved cognitive functioning, thereby able to make rational decisions even under pressure and produce useful results.
With all the skills discussed above at the disposal of a postgraduate trained nurse, it is safe to say the patient outcomes will significantly be improved. For instance, leadership is an essential aspect of the healthcare sector. A good leader translates to better policy implementations and improvement in the overall functioning of the organization. As a Master’s trained nurse, he/ she can be part of the leadership team and ensure implemented policies serve to benefit both the patient and fellow healthcare providers. Additionally, with the improvement of evidence-based practices, the postgraduate nurse will also ensure that all the policies being implemented have been proven to provide positive results, and not a matter of hit or miss.
From the above discussion, a master’s degree is valuable in the healthcare sector. Master’s trained nurses portray enhanced evidence-based practices which are vital in today’s healthcare standards. Moreover, the postgraduate nurse develops his/her leadership skills, thereby being part of the primary team that steers an organization. Also, there is potential for improved cognitive functioning which means the nurse can make rational decisions even when under pressure. All these skills coupled together result in enhanced service delivery, hence desirable patient outcomes.
References
Clark, L., Casey, D., & Morris, S. (2015). The value of Master's degrees for registered nurses. British Journal of Nursing , 24 (6), 328-334.
Francis R. (2013). The Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Enquiry . Retrieved from http://tinyurl.com/anb9zme
Hickman, L. D., DiGiacomo, M., Phillips, J., Rao, A., Newton, P. J., Jackson, D., & Ferguson, C. (2018). Improving evidence based practice in postgraduate nursing programs: A systematic review: Bridging the evidence practice gap (BRIDGE project). Nurse education today .
