Becoming a specialist: Portuguese nurses’ expectations after completing the specialization program

Abstract

Background: The Specialization Program in Medical-Surgical Nursing is a postgraduate program that confers the title of specialist, which is recognized by the Portuguese Order of Nurses. Objective: To analyze specialist nurses’ professional expectations after completing the Specialization Program in Medical-Surgical Nursing in Portugal. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The nonprobability convenience sample consisted of 10 specialist nurses. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to Laurence Bardin’s content analysis technique. Results: No changes were found in the professional career after the program. The program improved nurses’ knowledge and practice and, consequently, their professional competence. Conclusion: Despite the lack of change in their careers, nurses considered that the program improved their competence in delivering care in their area of specialization.