Strategies for Success in a Nursing PhD Program and Beyond

Overview

Journal J Prof Nurs

Specialty Nursing

Date 2022 Mar 11

PMID 35272827

Authors

Marlena C Fisher

Tamryn F Gray

Melissa K Uveges

Katherine E Heinze

Tiffany P Pellathy

Elaina Parrillo

Marilyn Hravnak

Marie T Nolan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to inform newly enrolled PhD students of program expectations, strategies for success, and next steps in the career of a nurse scientist.

Methods: We used empirical evidence and insights from the authors to describe strategies for success during a nursing PhD program and continued career development following graduation.

Findings: Measures of success included maintaining health, focus, integrity, and a supportive network, identifying mentors, pursuing new knowledge and advancing research to transform health outcomes.

Conclusion: Nursing PhD programs help to shape future researchers and leaders. Choosing to obtain a PhD in nursing is an investment in oneself, the discipline, and the science.

Clinical Relevance: Nursing PhD programs offer opportunities to advance science, impact healthcare and health outcomes, and prepare for a variety of career opportunities. Informing newly enrolled PhD students may better prepare them for what lies ahead and facilitate student retention.

References

Sherry D, Fennessy M, Benavente V, Ruppar T, Collins E . Important considerations when applying for a postdoctoral fellowship. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2013; 45(2):210-8. DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12012. View

Hafsteinsdottir T, van der Zwaag A, Schuurmans M . Leadership mentoring in nursing research, career development and scholarly productivity: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud. 2017; 75:21-34. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.07.004. View

Morris N, Wassef M, Sullivan-Bolyai S, Bova C, Kane A . Making explicit the development of PhD-prepared nurses to steward the discipline. Nurs Outlook. 2020; 69(1):50-56. DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2020.08.002. View

Dewa C, Nieuwenhuijsen K, Holmes-Sullivan K, Singh A, Drakakaki G . Introducing plant biology graduate students to a culture of mental well-being. Plant Direct. 2020; 4(4):e00211. PMC: 7130247. DOI: 10.1002/pld3.211. View

Ferreira L, Furtado F, Silveira T . Advisor-advisee relationship: the multiplier knowledge. Acta Cir Bras. 2009; 24(3):170-2. DOI: 10.1590/s0102-86502009000300001. View

Volkert D, Candela L, Bernacki M . Student motivation, stressors, and intent to leave nursing doctoral study: A national study using path analysis. Nurse Educ Today. 2017; 61:210-215. DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2017.11.033. View

PereznPinar M, Ayerbe L . Virtue ethics of clinical research. Perspect Clin Res. 2017; 8(2):103-104. PMC: 5384398. DOI: 10.4103/2229-3485.203042. View

Reid Ponte P, Hayman L, Berry D, Cooley M . A new model for postdoctoral training: the Nursing Postdoctoral Program in Cancer and Health Disparities. Nurs Outlook. 2015; 63(2):189-203. PMC: 5209782. DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2014.11.014. View

Lor M, Oyesanya T, Chen C, Cherwin C, Moon C . Postdoctoral Opportunities for Nursing PhD Graduates: A Resource Guide. West J Nurs Res. 2018; 41(3):459-476. DOI: 10.1177/0193945918775691. View

10.

Conn V, Jefferson U, Cohen M, Anderson C, Killion C, Fahrenwald N . Strategies to Build Authorship Competence Among PhD Students. West J Nurs Res. 2016; 39(3):329-355. DOI: 10.1177/0193945916651588. View

11.

Smith Jr D, Delmore B . Three key components to successfully completing a nursing doctoral program. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2007; 38(2):76-82. DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20070301-01. View

12.

Broome M, Fairman J . Changing the conversation about doctoral education in nursing. Nurs Outlook. 2018; 66(3):217-218. DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2018.04.011. View

13.

Fierz K, Gennaro S, Dierickx K, van Achterberg T, Morin K, de Geest S . Scientific misconduct: also an issue in nursing science?. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2014; 46(4):271-80. DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12082. View

14.

Melnyk B, Slevin C, Militello L, Hoying J, Teall A, McGovern C . Physical health, lifestyle beliefs and behaviors, and mental health of entering graduate health professional students: Evidence to support screening and early intervention. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2016; 28(4):204-11. PMC: 7164545. DOI: 10.1002/2327-6924.12350. View

15.

Buettner L, Shattell M, Reber M . Working hard to relax: improving engagement in leisure time activities for a healthier work-life balance. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2011; 32(4):269-70. DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2011.553346. View

16.

Thompson H, Judge Santacroce S, Pickler R, Allen J, Armer J, Bakken S . Use of individual development plans for nurse scientist training. Nurs Outlook. 2020; 68(3):284-292. PMC: 7605358. DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2020.01.001. View

17.

Stott D . How to improve your work-life balance. J Perioper Pract. 2019; 29(7-8):201-202. DOI: 10.1177/1750458919858832. View

18.

Schrager S, Sadowski E . Getting More Done: Strategies to Increase Scholarly Productivity. J Grad Med Educ. 2016; 8(1):10-3. PMC: 4763375. DOI: 10.4300/JGME-D-15-00165.1. View

19.

Eleftheriades R, Fiala C, Pasic M . The challenges and mental health issues of academic trainees. F1000Res. 2020; 9:104. PMC: 7199285. DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.21066.1. View

20.

Koh W, Ang F, Casey D . Impacts of Low-cost Robotic Pets for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Scoping Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. 2021; 8(1):e25340. PMC: 8082946. DOI: 10.2196/25340. View