What do master of nursing specialist students require during clinical practice? A qualitative study through the lens of workplace social capital networks

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) shoulder critical roles in the provision of advanced healthcare services. Master of Nursing Specialist (MNS) education, which aims to train specialized clinical talent, is the primary approach to cultivating APNs in China. MNS students are the focus of MNS education; however, no study has comprehensively discussed their requirements during clinical practice across China. The aim of this study was to explore requirements during clinical practice expressed by MNS students through the lens of workplace social capital networks. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with 24 full-time MNS students from 10 provinces across China between 2025 and 2026. The directed qualitative content analysis which integrates both deductive and inductive strategies was applied to analyze the interview data. Four main categories were identified: (1) “Requirements based on vertical Linking network” is related to requirements for hospital leadership (management of MNS clinical practice; APN-oriented clinical learning; research support; economic support; bilateral cooperation), mentorship (gentle vertical connection; research guidance), and nurse managers (research support; leadership in pursuing advanced education); (2) “Requirements based on horizontal Bonding network” consists of requirements for staff nurses (reasonable work sharing; emotional support) and MNS student peers (academic interactions); (3) “Requirements based on horizontal Bridging network” mainly focuses on interdisciplinary learning and practice with physicians and medical postgraduate students; and (4) “Requirements related to the center (MNS students) of networks” demonstrates professional ambitions of MNS students themselves (e.g., recognition, professional self-requirements). MNS students’ comprehensive requirements were captured based on social capital networks. Hospital administrations should focus on effective, tailored and humanized clinical practice management. Preparation for mentors, staff nurses, and transformational leadership training for nurse managers is suggested. Research-relevant requirements are a common thread throughout findings, which require close collaboration between hospitals and universities. Effective and humanized higher nursing education ensures high quality workforce in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and well-being) by the UN.