Marlena C Fisher1, Tamryn F Gray2, Melissa K Uveges3, Katherine E Heinze4, Tiffany P Pellathy5, Elaina Parrillo6, Marilyn Hravnak7, Marie T Nolan6. 1. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Electronic address: mfishe47@jhu.edu. 2. Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing & Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, 02215 Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. 3. Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA. 4. Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 77 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA. 5. VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsbugh, PA 15261, USA. 6. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. 7. University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsbugh, PA 15261, USA.
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.
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.
Authors: Vicki S Conn; Urmeka Jefferson; Marlene Z Cohen; Cindy M Anderson; Cheryl M Killion; Nancy L Fahrenwald; Lazelle E Benefield; Marita Titler; Robert Topp; Carol E Smith; Julio Loya Journal: West J Nurs Res Date: 2016-07-09 Impact factor: 1.967