Specialization in nursing management – distance learning in Brazil: Importance and application from the student perspective

Abstract

Background: This study presents student views on the programmatic content relevant for professional practice, in a distance learning specialization course on Nursing Management. Methods: This was an exploratory, qualitative study done with 216 nursing students from five states in Brazil. Students' comments were classified according to a theoretical reference on the structure of nursing management knowledge endorsed by Sanna, addressing theoretical and ideological foundations, intervention methods, and resource management practices. Results: Students expressed that all subjects in the course are important, prioritizing human and political resource management practices, in addition to highlighting leadership and planning themes. The course met the students' expectations regarding both content mastery and applicability. Conclusions: Distance learning was found to be relevant in national education as a strategy for democratizing knowledge in Brazil, a country of continental dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]