Chinese nursing master's graduates' perceptions of pursuing a doctoral degree after graduation: A qualitative study

The shortage of doctoral-prepared nurses is a global challenge. Understanding the factors that influence the decisions of newly graduated nursing master's students is critical to fostering the next generation of nursing scholars.

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Chinese early- to mid-career nursing master's graduates regarding pursuing a doctoral degree.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 nursing master's graduates from four tertiary hospitals in Nantong, China, from September to November 2024, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

A total of 20 participants were interviewed in this study. The analysis identified three primary themes shaping the participants' perceptions: (1) The Allure of the Doctorate (Career Advancement and Professional Identity, Pursuit of Academic Interest and Intellectual Fulfillment, Positive Reinforcement and Encouragement); (2) Weighing Commitments (Calculating the Investment, Academic Self-Confidence and Preparedness, and Alignment with Life Goals and Stage); and (3) Perceived Structural Barriers (Scarcity of Admission Opportunities and Intense Competition, The Closed Loop of Supervisor Resources, Concerns over Admission Process Fairness).

The decision to pursue a Ph.D. is influenced by a complex interplay of personal aspiration, perceived risk, and structural barriers. Our findings suggest that effective interventions must address not only individual-level support but also, and more critically, systemic reforms to ensure a transparent and equitable admissions process.