Il profilo del laureato magistrale in scienze infermieristiche e ostetriche in Italia: dall'analisi dei regolamenti didattici d'ateneo alle competenze distintive

Introduction The aim of the study is to describe and profile the distinctive core competences of a nursewith Master of Science in nursing and midwifery and to point up new areas of practice in order to meet theneeds of organizations and health systems.Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out. The analysis of the educational objectives of universityteaching regulations has been made with an ex novo tool, specifically created by the authors.Results 29 university teaching regulations were analyzed. The nurse with Master of Science in nursing is aprofessional with advanced management competencies; the results of the study show the existence of sixdifferent kinds of curricula. The hypothesis that the diversification of curricula was due to the existence ofdirector of nursing school, preceding the course, or the presence of a general, clinical and pediatric nursingscience coordinator, was null.Conclusions According to welfare needs, it is necessary to make more flexible and dynamic the profile ofnurse with Master of Science in nursing, diversifying the curriculum path toward advanced practice nursing(APN) in order to improve the employment opportunities too.Key words: Master of Science in nursing, skills development, advanced practice nursing, professionaldevelopment