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Background: Master of Nursing (MN) programs serve as an important structured pathway to prepare the nursing workforce to develop advanced capabilities. Little research has been done to examine the key characteristics of MN programs in Australia and their responsiveness to meeting the health needs of the community. Aim: The aim of this desktop analysis is to provide a detailed overview of the key characteristics of MN programs in Australia. Method: A desktop analysis of MN programs in Australia utilising content analysis of publicly available information gathered from program websites of Australian Universities. Results: A total of 70 MN programs were analysed from the 28 that offered these programs. Nine categories were developed that describe the key characteristics of these programs: nomenclature and program focus, program outcomes, regulation and professional recognition, structure, work integrated learning, delivery mode, admission, and tuition fees. Inconsistencies were identified across all categories. Discussion: While Australian universities offer a diverse range of MN programs, inconsistencies across the programs can impact quality and intent and have implications for students, employees, and universities. Conclusion: There is a pressing need to ensure the quality of MN education is maintained and adequate to meet healthcare needs. The benefits and risks of professional regulation of all MN programs should be considered as a mechanism for enhancing the quality of nursing education.

Background: The nursing workforce faces significant stressors every day that can lead to exhaustion and burnout. The unprecedented challenges that were faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, placed an added burden on nurses who were already under pressure. Nurses were at the frontline of care provision, and nursing leaders had to rapidly implement strategies to support and maintain staff safety, short and long-term well-being. Objective: A scoping review of strategies nurse leaders and organisations initiated to enhance the well-being of their colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic was undertaken. Experiences from around the globe have been collated to provide an insight into well-being initiatives that can inform future practice to sustain and retain the nursing workforce. Design: A scoping review of strategies nurse leaders and organisations initiated to enhance the well-being of their colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic was undertaken. Method: A search of key electronic databases identified articles published between January 2020 and February 2023. 21 pieces of original research that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Results: Well-being interventions evaluated in the literature included: dedicated well-being spaces, peer debriefing, psychological support, online resources and education, introduction of well-being strategies and resources, and meditations. There were six broad themes identified that enhanced the success of well-being strategies including: Education and Communication, Tailored or Adaptable Strategies, Support from Leadership, Sharing Experiences and Peer Support, and Feeling appreciated and heard. There were also barriers to accessing well-being interventions that have been identified. Conclusion: The Covid 19 pandemic highlighted how imperative strong nursing leadership is for supporting nurses at every level. Practical strategies provided psychological support essential for maintaining the health and well-being of the nursing workforce. The strategies identified demonstrate the creativity and adaptability of nursing leadership to look after colleagues to maintain and sustain our nursing workforce. Tweetable: Strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic can be used to guide ongoing initiatives to enhance wellbeing for the nursing workforce.