Role development and utilization of master’s-prepared omani nurses working in clinical settings: A multiple case study

Background and aim: The roles of master’s-prepared nurses in clinical settings differ by country.  Examples include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse managers, educators, and researchers. Little is known regarding the role development and utilization of master’s-prepared nurses in Oman. The aim is to explore the role development and utilization of master’s-prepared Omani nurses working in clinical settings in Oman’s governmental healthcare system.Methods: Multiple case study methodology involving two governmental acute care hospitals in Oman. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with master's-prepared Omani nurses (n = 19), policymakers (n = 8), and co-workers (n = 8). Relevant documents, including job descriptions and nursing career pathway were reviewed. Interviews and documents were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Master's-prepared Omani nurses were mainly utilized in management, education, and nurse specialist roles. Four overarching themes were identified: 1) Drivers for master's-preparation in clinical settings, 2) The journey after pursuing a master's education, 3) Master’s- prepared nurses' roles, their development, and their scope of practice, and 4) Perspectives about the current utilization of master's-prepared Omani nurses. Participants indicated utilization of master’s-prepared Omani nurses in clinical settings could be enhanced.Conclusions: Master’s-prepared nurses could play a vital role in supporting the needs of patients and addressing gaps in clinical settings if their advanced knowledge and competencies were fully utilized. Linking master’s-prepared nurses’ roles to patient, organization, and system needs and engaging stakeholders in developing their roles will enable optimum utilization of this valuable human resource.