Master Prepared Nurse

Answer

Interviewing a Master’s Prepared Nurse

A Master’s degree prepares registered nurses to effectively undertake their roles within the field of clinical leadership, nursing administration, or for enrollment in positions whereby they can work in advanced practice roles (Sharifipour, Heydarpour & Salari, 2020). Most of the nursing faculty, especially clinical instructors have undergone through the master’s level training. This paper provide an interview of Jane (pseudo name), a master’s-prepared professional working as a clinical instructor within one of the largest care facilities in America. This interview is important because it documents the interplay existing among education, career path, and opportunities of the career nurse.

            Jane’s career as a clinical instructor began two months after she graduated with her Master’s degree. All her life she aspired to advance within the field of nursing and this was her first major step. Although she first volunteered to be in this position, she believed that she would advance as the management could easily recognize her efforts and skills. Due to her desire and focus to advance in the field, six months later, her efforts were easily recognized and Jane was provided with a permanent position as an employee of the healthcare organization. It is now four years since Jane started working as a clinical instructor and has had an opportunity of building on her skills and experience to become even better in her career.

            Jane recorded that the primary reason why she enrolled for the graduate education was to become competitive in the field of nursing. However, she did not stop at that point as she indicated that furthering her studies significantly benefited her career and current role as a clinical instructor. Jane indicated that, “a desirable compensation package is one of the benefits I enjoy in my career.” The clinical instructor explained that working in the larger metropolitan area as a master’s degree holder has placed her in a position where she can enjoy up to $100,000 annually from her profession. She also stated that working in a busy environment can be challenging but her graduate degree always comes to her rescue by providing her with flexible work-hours, especially since she works at the top positions within the firm that mostly adheres to the set 40-hour workweeks. Moreover, the interviewee did not show any regrets furthering her studies to the Master’s level as this provided her with the chance of working in different administrative roles. Jane explained, “I can seek part-time employment in other organizations and still obtain a position on administrative roles without any challenges.” Jane further recorded that her Master’s degree benefited her career position as a clinical instructor by allowing her to work alongside other qualified and competent professionals such as gynecologists and conventional doctor, hence having an opportunity to guide women on effective family planning strategies.

            Jane could not hide her satisfaction when she stated that, “I enjoy working as a clinical instructor.” A clinical instructor spot is one of the top-level positions within a healthcare organization (Akram, Mohamad & Akram, 2018). Jane is obliged to complete primary roles such as offering effective assessment and instruction during clinical trainings involving undergraduate health sciences learners in the hospital. Furthermore, she leads the members of a healthcare team in implementing an evidence-based practice. As a clinical instructor, Jane also offers support to other staff members when it comes to learning to ensure that they improve on their care decisions. The Master’s degree holder also serves as an evidence-based decision making mentor for the professionals within the facility. A clinical in instructor is also responsible for overseeing all the patient care activities to ensure the provision of an optimal care within the facility and to guarantee that the professional show their compliance to the lesson plans for an effective patient outcome (Noviyanti, Handiyani & Gayatri, 2018).

            “Do not sit on your chance and opportunity to further your studies and become a better person in your career.” These were Jane’s words of wisdom to young professionals who do not see the need for furthering their studies. She explained that making the decision to enroll for the Master’s program is what changed her professional life. Jane further stressed that she is happier now because of all the career opportunities she sees daily as a result of her education level. Moreover, when questioned about her pearls of wisdom, Jane indicated that she has no regrets whatsoever for spending her time in class studying to be a master’s degree holder.  Jane further expressed that, “Furthering studies is the best decision I ever made. Do not sit and wait until when it is too late to study. This is where success in career begins.”

            In conclusion, collaboration and interpersonal communication is one of the competencies addressed in the interview which is consistent with the AACN essentials. The interview enlightened me that holding a Master’s degree is effective for securing competitive positions within the nursing field and working collaboratively with high-level professionals to promote patient outcomes.