Is a PhD the best career choice? Nursing employers' views

Recent debate has centred around a perceived discrepancy between employment skills required and skills acquired of doctorally prepared employees. There is a perception there might be a substantial shortfall between both current and future skill requirements. While much research has been undertaken into employer requirements of first degree graduates, there does not appear to have been any systematic survey/s of employer attitudes to research postgraduates (West, 1998). Ascertaining the views of those in the field likely to employ doctoral graduates is essential to ensure that research training is adapted to suit the workplace. This paper reports on a project that sought to elicit the opinions of some nursing employers about the suitability of doctorally prepared nursing employees. Results suggest that there might be some discrepancy between skills acquired at university and skills required in the workplace. While the study was small and generalisability is not claimed, we believe the results point to the need for further investigation.