The impact of graduate education on the career paths of nurses

This paper reports the findings of the first phase of a ten year longitudinal study of nurses graduating with higher degrees and diplomas. The higher education sector in Australia has been subjected to a variety of changes in the past decade. Amalgamations and restructuring, altered funding formulae, recognition of prior learning and credit transfer are some of the initiatives, many dictated by governmental bodies, which impact on the education system. Within this volatile context, graduate education in nursing has developed significantly in both quality and variety. These courses have been taken up vigorously by professionals who, until 1990, had limited opportunities for tertiary study in the discipline. Perhaps one of the most significant changes within education, and interestingly paralleled in the health sector, is the move to examine more carefully the outcomes of the process or service provided. The demographic profile, career movements and career plans of graduating students over a five year period from December 1992- December 1996 are presented.