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The aim of the present study is to define the state of the art in nursing management training in Italy and to assess the effectiveness of training in a working context. The first phase of the IN.FOR.MA project consisted of creating a data collection tool, a questionnaire, based on paradigmatic pedagogic methodology. This was followed by a pilot study to test its effectiveness. Reliability was tested using the Cronbach's alpha test and the values obtained were between 0.79 and 0.82 for the overall scale and between 0.71 and 0.90 for the subscales. The maximum expression of the competencies perceived using the Likert scale was 4 (Fair), with a maximum value of 5 obtained in 53,06% of the total sample in the "Management" area and a minimum value between 3 (discreet) and 4 (fair) in 33.6% of the total in the area "Training and Research". Perception of the working value of the training experience reached 5 (very) , with an average value of 54,08% of the overall sample. The IN.FOR.MA questionnaire made it possible to assess the training course by focusing on the perception of the competencies acquired, with medium to high levels according to the Likert scale. The level of usefulness of these competencies in daily activities was highest in "Management" followed by "Programming and organization" and "Integration".

Changes in the National Health Service (NHS), in nursing laws and education made necessary a first level Master to teach nurses managerial competences for coordinational functions. Nowadays nurse coordinator are important in health organization in order to transform individual knowledges of nurses in effective, efficient and appropriate care practice. The project of the First Level Master in Nursing Management for Coordinational Functions run at the Catholic University of Rome, kept into consideration changes in NHS, nursing laws and education. The Master was made of four modules in order to teach learning specific competences. The Pedagogy of the Contract was used to guide the training. A Form based on the Pedagogy of the Contract was developed. This Form helped in defining the training objectives and their evaluation. The Model of the Reflection about the Experience and the presence of a tutor were used to integrate education with training settings. This Master emphasized the current functions of the nurse coordinator such as problem solving, direction, organization and mainly the management of knowledge of coordinated nurses.