Emerging roles for research intensive PhD prepared nurses: Beyond faculty positions

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Health Policy
• Healthcare Leadership

Background:

• Nurse scientists are crucial for research capacity, patient-centered care, and quality benchmarks.
• They offer expertise to address clinical questions and transform health policy.
• Current healthcare complexity necessitates preparing nurse scientists for roles beyond traditional academia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize viewpoints on re-envisioning future PhD programs for nurse scientists.
• To explore strategies promoting career transitions into vital, non-traditional roles.
• To invigorate thinking on preparing PhD-prepared nurses for diverse healthcare sectors.

Main Methods:

• Summary of viewpoints from a special session at the 2019 PhD Summit.
• Literature review to support ideas for promoting career transitions.
• Discussion of the need for curriculum evolution in nursing PhD programs.

Main Results:

• PhD programs need to prepare nurse scientists for practice, policy, and leadership roles.
• Curricula should enable graduates to conduct impactful science and pursue varied career paths.
• Nurse scientists are vital for advancing patient and community health through diverse roles.

Conclusions:

• Re-envisioning nursing PhD curricula is essential for preparing nurse scientists for the future.
• Graduates must be equipped for careers across all healthcare sectors, including non-traditional positions.
• Preparing nurse scientists for diverse roles is critical for advancing health outcomes and policy.