Aim <p>This study aimed to explore the motivations and internship experiences of 11 registered nurses in China pursuing Master of Nursing Specialist education(MNS).</p> Methods <p>Using purposive and snowball sampling, master of nursing students from eleven universities were recruited. Semi‑structured interviews were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.</p> Results <p>Three major themes and eight sub-themes were identified, including drivers for pursuing MNS education (workplace stress, career development dilemmas, personal growth and degree drive), transformation of self-perception (self-value recognition, self-awareness awakening), and transformation of professional perception (building of professional identity in specialty practice, challenges to professional identity in general clinical practice, influence of mentorship during MNS clinical internships).</p> Conclusion <p>Participants’ narratives indicated complex motivations driving their decision to pursue MNS education. During the internship phase, participants described their evolving self-perception and professional identity, often underscoring the critical dual role of mentors. These insights, drawn from participants’ experiences, suggest that clinical departments and policymakers should optimise the professional environment and expand development opportunities for MNS nurses.</p>