Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate professional development and promotion as well as whether the new competence was requested after completion of a one-year master programme (MP) in Cardiovascular (CV) nursing. In Sweden the first one-year MP within the CV area took place between 2003 and 2005 at Halmstad University with a follow-up in 2007. The sample consisted of seventeen former students who had completed the MP. A questionnaire was developed comprising twenty items grouped into three main sections.
Most of the nurses stated that their knowledge was requested and that they had developed their professional attitude, skills and knowledge. Seven of the nurses had a new position and five of them had advanced in terms of leadership. In three cases, the master exam was critical for the employers' decision. Six of the nurses who had a new post had obtained an increase in salary. In conclusion, the MP led to increased competence as well as improved career prospects. Information about the MP should be available at clinics, and collaboration between clinical practice and education is necessary in order to ensure relevant use of master educated nurses' competence.