Doctoral-prepared nurses in the Veterans Health Administration: A cross-sectional survey

Doctoral-prepared nurses with diverse skillsets are required to meet nursing care needs in a complex and changing healthcare environment. A better understanding of the roles of doctoral-prepared nurses in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) workforce will help leverage their expertise to meet the needs of Veterans.

Assess the current roles of doctoral-prepared nurses within the VHA.

A cross-sectional survey was used to collect information on doctoral-prepared nurses within the VHA in 2016. Multiple strategies were used to identify doctoral-prepared nurses to recruit for an online survey. Survey invitations were sent electronically to unique individuals identified (N = 2403).

Responses were received from 1015 nurses (42.2% response rate), with 929 nurses with a doctoral degree identified. DNP/DNAP degrees were most common (55%), followed by a PhD or DNS (33%). Significant differences were noted between nurses in different doctoral education categories across four main roles: research, clinical, educational, and administration.

This survey generated the first comprehensive list of VHA doctoral-prepared nurses. Findings are being used by the VHA Office of Nursing Services to align degree types, duties of different positions, functional statements, and position expectations. Results support the continued need for collaboration between nurses with PhDs and DNPs to achieve research and clinical goals.