Experiences of Master's Prepared Clinical Nurse Leaders at Three Years Post-Graduation

Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing programs that incorporate Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) education are relatively new in the United States. Little is known about the transition to practice experience of Master's prepared CNL graduates. This evaluation explored how Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing CNL graduates perceived their transition to practice experience three years post-graduation. All graduates (n = 21) of an inaugural Direct Entry CNL program were invited to be interviewed 3 years after graduation; 16 (76%) opted to participate. Major findings from the semi-structured interviews included educational satisfaction, challenges in transition to practice, uneven use of CNL education, and anxiety about student debt. Satisfaction with their education and their early application of leadership skills were overshadowed by their frustrations with student debt and the preponderance of bullying experienced in the workplace.