Abstract
Aim:This master’s thesis aimed to analyze the current and target situation in nursing care during the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases in the surgical setting, based on empirical data. The study sought to identify which theoretical concepts were confirmed by the findings, derive actionable recommendations, and highlight the significance of academic education. Additionally, it aimed to make career pathways more attractive and propose potential career development concepts, ultimately underscoring their relevance for surgical nursing care.
Methodology:
A mixed-methods design was employed. Qualitative expert interviews with ten surgical nurses were analyzed using Mayring’s content analysis, enabling the identification of key themes and categories, which were further explored in a subsequent quantitative survey. A parallel quantitative online survey was conducted across three Upper Austrian healthcare institutions (*n* = 17), with data analyzed descriptively and comparatively.
Results:
Nurses with academic qualifications evaluated their competencies and career development opportunities more positively overall. They recognized clear advantages of academic training, particularly regarding career prospects. In contrast, non-academically trained nurses placed greater emphasis on practical experience and expressed partially critical views on academicization—especially in the surgical setting. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and professional position were found to influence attitudes toward academicization. Notably, in pre-, intra-, and postoperative care, academically qualified personnel demonstrated measurable added value. The findings suggest that academicization not only clarifies individual perspectives but also lays a foundation for sustainable professional development in surgical nursing.
Conclusion:
Academic training holds significant potential for nursing professionalization, particularly in the surgical field. To successfully integrate it into daily practice, however, practical relevance, structural support, and clearly defined, attractive career paths are essential. Recommendations derived from the results include greater recognition of academic qualifications, targeted organizational development programs, and flexible, practice-oriented continuing education for nurses across all care phases.
| Date of Award | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | German (Austria) |
| Supervisor | Johannes Kriegel (Supervisor) |
Studyprogram
- Gesundheits-, Sozial- und Public Management