LAUSR

BACKGROUND This study investigated the scientific research capacity and related factors of nurses with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees to provide information on hierarchical management and continuing education of nurses in China. METHOD This multi-center cross-sectional study included 221 MSN hospital nurses in China. RESULTS Ninety-one percent of MSN nurses had good or excellent research capacity. Continuing education requirements existed regarding research practice and design. Research time, teamwork, leadership support, and retraining opportunities influenced research capacity, which decreased with increasing age and years of work, especially at 3 to 5 years after initial employment. CONCLUSION Clinical managers should pay attention to factors that influence nurses' research capacity and continuing education requirements. Multiple incentives should be used for MSN nurses, especially for those with 3 to 5 years of employment, to provide more chances for self-actualization, to take advantage of their talents, and to promote the development of clinical nursing. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(2):61-68.].