In recent years, the health and social care system has undergone a profound transformation, driven by demographic, technological, and organizational changes that have redefined health needs and the ways in which care is delivered. In this context, the role of the nurse has become increasingly central, with a significant expansion of clinical, organizational, and interpersonal competencies.

Today, nurses are professionals capable of managing complex situations, making autonomous decisions, and working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Their work is no longer limited to technical execution but extends to needs assessment, care planning and coordination, health promotion, and disease prevention.

This expansion of skills responds to concrete challenges: the increase in chronic diseases, population aging, the growing demand for community and home-based care, the digitalization of healthcare processes, and the need to ensure safety, quality, and continuity of services. The nurse thus becomes a bridge between individuals, families, communities, and healthcare institutions.

Among the areas where these competencies find the greatest expression are chronic disease management, infection risk prevention, palliative care, community health, therapeutic education, and the training of healthcare professionals. In these fields, scientific expertise, leadership ability, and a systemic vision are essential elements.

From this perspective, the Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma represent an outstanding educational platform for nurses who wish to strengthen their skills and contribute to the innovation of care models. Investing in nursing education means building a more efficient, humane, and people-centered health and social care system — one in which the nurse, equipped with advanced competencies, becomes a key agent of change and a promoter of a culture of care based on quality, equity, and innovation.