Nursing management matters for registered nurses with a PhD working in clinical practice

To investigate what registered nurses (RNs) with a PhD working in clinical practice experience in terms of their role, function and work context.

Previous studies have shown that RNs with a graduate degree contribute to better and safer care for patients. However, little is known about what further academic schooling of RNs, at PhD level, means for clinical practice.

Qualitative design, with semi-structured interviews and inductive content analysis.

The main areas of responsibilities for RNs with a PhD working in clinical practice were related to practice development and implementation of research results. In their work, they experienced barriers to the full use of their competence; the expectations and prerequisites of the organisation were not clearly defined, and they often lacked a mandate to create conditions for quality improvement of nursing care.

RNs with a PhD can contribute to evidence-based practice (EBP), clinical training, as well as the development of clinical research. Their roles and responsibilities need to be clarified, and for this, they need support from managers.

Nurse managers have the opportunity to partner with RNs with a PhD to support the EBP process and help structure nursing practice in more efficient ways.