Master's programme in clinical nursing – practice and academic development

Why a vocational programme rather than a full-time programme?

- I chose the professional master's programme because it's practical and I can continue to work during the programme. I bring experience from the clinic into the programme of study and vice versa, says Lea Olsen.

Iben Meilandt adds:

- It was a big plus for me that I didn't have to do without my everyday clinical work. I can both develop academically and continue doing what I like best - being a nurse.

Both find that teaching alongside their jobs creates a meaningful interaction where the academic knowledge can often be applied directly in the clinic.

Everyday life as a part-time student

The programme of study typically combines 1-2 teaching days per week with a job alongside the programme of study, which requires good planning and reflection. Lea Olsen explains that there are periods with a lot of teaching and learning activity, while other times there is more space. Iben Meilandt adds that it requires flexibility from both family and workplace, but that the support they have received makes it easier to manage their daily lives.

Interplay between theory and practice

For Lea Olsen and Iben Meilandt, the link between everyday clinical practice and the theoretical part of the programme is a recurring theme:

- For example, in the health law course, we have dealt with things I could use in the clinic the next day, says Lea Olsen.

Iben Meilandt adds:

- In epidemiology and biostatistics, we worked on an assignment about colon cancer and exercise, which I took back to the department and discussed. It gave us new angles on our practice. It's exactly this interaction that makes the teaching relevant.

Specialisation and professional development

Two and a half years into the programme, they both experience a development towards a more systematic and analytical view of their own practice. They have gained the tools to articulate clinical judgements and justify them with evidence, and their experience shows that the programme strengthens their ability to develop clinical practice, not just participate in it.

Challenges and how to overcome them

Coordinating between study and shifts requires structure and strategy, but Lea Olsen and Iben Meilandt emphasise that it is manageable when time is planned consciously:

- It's about planning with study groups, submissions and shifts - including evenings, nights and weekends, says Iben Meilandt.

- I agree - if you plan and are prepared for the challenge, it's not a problem, says Lea Olsen.

Support from the workplace

Both point out that support from the department makes a significant difference. Iben Meilandt has a standard period of 52 weeks, which gives her the flexibility to adjust her working hours according to her teaching schedule, and Lea Olsen says that she gets priority in planning so that her work schedule can be adapted to the programme of study. They feel that this flexibility not only helps them but also strengthens the department by getting competent nurses with an academic background.

Future perspective and advice for colleagues

Looking ahead to electives and master's thesis, they are optimistic:

- I've talked to my management that if they can point out areas that are relevant to the department, they are welcome to let me know so I can choose something that both interests me and benefits the department, says Lea Olsen.

When asked about advice for colleagues, the answer is unanimous:

- The most important thing is to realise that it requires time, free time and planning, and that it must fit in with your life and family. But don't hesitate - you get a lot in return.

Iben Meilandt emphasises that without the option of a professional candidate, she would not have chosen an ordinary candidate. She chose a vocational master's programme because it makes it possible to stay in work - she wouldn't have missed the clinic for two years.

Collaboration with hospitals

The programme has been established through a partnership agreement between Hospital Sønderjylland and SDU. The agreement is one of several in which the university and regional hospitals collaborate to offer the master's programme for working professionals so they can study alongside their clinical work.