Abstract

FERREIRA, Manuela Frederico  and  LOUREIRO, Cândida. Reasons for seeking master’s degrees: an exploratory study with nurses. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2013, vol.serIII, n.9, pp.67-74. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1264.

The past few years have witnessed an increase in the number of Master’s-qualified nurses working in Portugal. However, despite personal and professional reasons for the decision to invest in training, at present the demand is decreasing. In the light of this, it is important to know what factors determine the choice, in order to make the offer more attractive at the time when candidates are making decisions. The aim of the study was to identify the reasons that influence nurses’ decision-making in the choice of Master’s degree and the choice of institution where it will be undertaken. This was an exploratory qualitative study, carried out with 39 nurses attending a Master’s course in 2011-2012. Data collection was performed using mailed questionnaires with open questions. Content analysis was used to identify reasons for choosing the course, the perspective regarding career development, and the motivation for the area of knowledge. Choice of institution was influenced by proximity and costs, prior knowledge, the opinions of other people, and institutional and pedagogical features, including credibility, quality of teaching and curriculum. Reasons for choosing the course were the perspective on career development and motivation regarding the area of knowledge. For choice of institution, the reasons were instrumental, affective, institutional and pedagogical.

Keywords : motivation; continuing education; nurses.

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