Are you considering undertaking a master of Nursing but aren’t sure what to expect? You aren’t alone! Many prospective students are unsure what to expect and if the course is right for them, making it difficult to decide if it’s worth applying. That is where we come in to help you make these tough decisions. Our brief guide covers everything you need to know about a master of Nursing to help you decide if it is the right course.
What is a master of nursing?
A master of nursing is a postgraduate programme where you will learn about the challenges of clinical leadership, the advanced practice roles in nursing, and research. The course typically has a specialisation option, where you can focus on your area of interest, creating the perfect course for your career goals.
Completing a master of Nursing usually takes two years, with the option to study part-time and online. You can enjoy flexibility when completing the course, making it ideal for anyone studying while working.
What will I learn in a master of Nursing?
What you learn on a master of nursing will vary depending on your chosen course and the specialisation you decide to follow. Most course providers offer the same core units, so there will be overlapping content, but you will want to check with your course provider before applying to ensure they have everything you need. Typically, you will see the following units on your course and can expect to learn:
Care coordination in practice
This unit teaches you about the competences nurses work within to provide coordinated care for patients. You will learn about the professional teams you will work with, how to coordinate with them, and the skills you need to ensure patients experience seamless care.
Complex care coordination
Complex care coordination is an important part of a nurse’s career, and this unit teaches you about complex care planning, how to coordinate and deliver it, and the practices you need to know.
Evidence and research for practice
Here you will learn how to apply evidence-based research to healthcare settings, and offer support with your research skills.
Leading improvement and innovation
This unit will teach you about the quality and safety concerns with nursing and the impact they can have on your patients. The approaches, tools, and techniques currently used will be looked at to see how they improve the safety and quality of care.
Mental health nursing
Here, you will learn about the theory and philosophy of mental health care. You will use critical psychology reviews to better understand the mental health issues you might encounter with patients.
Nursing informatics
Nursing informatics is also offered as a separate course, but it is usually offered as a unit on a master of nursing where you will look at the leading roles in digital healthcare and how technology can help provide efficient care. Data analytics will be used to help you examine the adoption of nursing data standards and how privacy is handled in a digital world.
Professional development in practice
Here you will learn about designing and assessing professional development programs. You will look at how plans are adjusted in healthcare settings and adult learning settings, and how you can deliver professional development in diverse settings.
Promoting cultural competence and community health
This unit teaches you about the concepts and principles of community health promotion. You will learn about health promotion and how to maintain community health across family assessment, illness prevention, primary care, and self-care.
Specialisation units
Most courses allow you to choose specialisation units, helping you progress your career. The units can vary depending on the course, but you can expect to be offered:
- Chronic disease and ageing
- Nursing leadership
- Nursing informatics leadership
What can I do with a master of Nursing?
After completing your master of Nursing, you will have multiple roles and career opportunities that you can explore. You can use the course as an opportunity to move away from traditional nursing roles and step into management and education roles. Doing so can provide you with a better work/life balance and higher salaries. Many graduates find themselves in the following roles:
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Clinical research nurse
- Clinical nurse consultant
- Clinical nurse educator
- Clinical information director
- Director of Nursing
- Executive director of nursing
- Health informatics manager
- Leadership role in chronic disease and aging
- Nurse unit manager
- Nursing informatics manager
- Unit manager
What do I need to apply for a master of Nursing?
The entry requirements for a master of Nursing will vary depending on the course provider, but usually you will need the following:
- A completed AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
If you do not have a degree but are a registered nurse, you can usually apply for a Graduate Certificate in Nursing role, which can act as a pathway to a Master of Nursing. You can speak to a course provider directly if you are unsure about the qualifications you have or the entry requirements.
Start your master of Nursing today
A master of nursing is a valuable course that allows you to continue progressing in your career as a nurse. Victoria University offers an excellent online programme that allows you to deepen your knowledge with constant access to resources and support. Contact them to learn more about their master of Nursing today.
