The effects of graduate nurse education on clinical practice and career paths: a pilot study

The recent proliferation of graduate courses in nursing has increased the need for educational administrators to evaluate the impact of such programmes on clinical practice and the career of participants. 40 registered nurses undertaking graduate studies were surveyed as a pilot for an extensive longitudinal study of their perception of the effects of study on work performance and career opportunities. Overall, positive effects were noted by respondents on their job satisfaction, self-esteem, professional thinking and career moves. Increases in professional behaviours such as mentoring, research and writing for publication were noted. Negative consequences were noted by a minority and were related to alterations to health status and increased levels of stress.