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Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Psychological Distress, Resilience, and the Impact on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors With Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy , Lauren Schwab

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Medication-Assisted Treatment Versus 12-Step Group Therapy: A Comparative Analysis of Adherence and Abstinence In Patients With Opioid Use Disorder , Derrick C. Glymph

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Quality of Life of Older Adults with Complicated Grief Receiving Accelerated Resolution Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study , Tina M. Mason

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

In Post-Extubated Patients What are the Preferred Methods of Communication During Their Experience of Endotracheal Intubation with Mechanical Ventilation , Lanette Dumas

The Effect of Hope on the Relationship between Personal and Disease Characteristics and Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer , Sharon B. McNeil

Predictors of Nonadherence to Radiation Therapy Schedules Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients , Jennifer Lynn Miller

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Perceived Discrimination and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Blacks: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Heart SCORE Study , Marilyn Aluoch

Exploration of Gratitude in Cardiovascular Health: Mediators, Medication Adherence and Psychometrics , Lakeshia A. Cousin

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Fatigue-related Symptom Clusters and their Relationship with Depression, and Functional Status in Older Adults Hospice Patients with Cancer. , Suzan Fouad Abduljawad

Genetic Moderation of Pain and Fatigue Symptoms Resulting from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer Program , Carissa Bea Alinat

The Moderating Effect of Religion on Death Distress and Quality of Life between Christian Cancer patients in the United States with Muslim cancer patients in Saudi Arabia , Doaa Almostadi

Prevention of Post Intensive Care Syndrome-Family with Sensation Awareness Focused Training Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study , Paula L. Cairns

Assessing Abstinence in Infants Greater Than 28 Days Old , Genieveve J. Cline

The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Motor Function in Hospitalized Older Adult Survivors of Critical Illness , Maya N. Elías

The Role of Migration-Related Stress in Depression Among Haitian Immigrants in Florida: A Mixed Method Sequential Explanatory Approach , Dany Amanda C. Fanfan

The Effect of Depression, Inflammation and Sleep Quality on Risk for Cardiovascular Disease , Catherine L. O'Neil

Adapting SafeMedicate (Medication Dosage Calculation Skills software) For Use In Brazil , Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Relationship Between Total Neuropathy Score-reduced, Neuropathy Symptoms and Function. , Ashraf Abulhaija

Validation of the Electronic Kids Dietary Index (E-KINDEX) Screening Tool for Early Identification of Risk for Overweight/Obesity (OW/OB) in a Pediatric Population: Associations with Quality of Life Perceptions , Patricia A. Hall

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Effectiveness of an Intervention Designed to Improve Chlorhexidine (CHG) Bathing Technique in Adults Hospitalized in Medical Surgical Units , Janette Echemendia Denny

Levels of Distress Among Women Veterans Attending a Women’s Health Specialty Clinic in the VA Healthcare System , Debbie T. Devine

Examination of the Use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in the Treatment of Symptoms of PTSD and Sleep Dysfunction in Veterans and Civilians , Marian Jevone Hardwick

Investigating the Mutual Effects of Depression and Spiritual Well-being on Quality of Life in Hospice Patients with Cancer and Family Caregivers Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model , Li-Ting Huang

The Change in Nutritional Status in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Retrospective Descriptive A Retrospective Descriptive Study , Dina A. Masha'al

Exploring the Relationship Between Severity of Illness and Human Milk Volume in Very Low Birth Weight and Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Over Six Weeks , Shannon Leigh Morse

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Scores and Novel Risk Factors in Relation to Race and Gender , Johanna Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A Comparative Evaluation of the Learner Centered Grading Debriefing Method in Nursing Education , Marisa J. Belote

Sleep, Depressive Symptoms and Cognition in Older Adults and Caregivers of Persons with Dementia , Glenna Shemida Brewster

The Relationship between Hearing Status and Cognitive Performance and the Influence of Depressive Symptoms in the Older Adult , Julie A. Daugherty

Basal Salivary Oxytocin and Skin to Skin Contact among Lactating Mothers of Premature Infants , Jessica Marie Gordon

The Relationship Between Nurses' Emotional Intelligence and Patient Outcomes , Mary Kutash

Sexual Functioning and Body Image in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors , Carly Lynn Paterson

Cognitive Load of Registered Nurses During Medication Administration , Sarah Faith Perron

A Comparison of Quality of Life between Intense and Non-Intense Treatment for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome , Sara Marie Tinsley

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Acculturation, Self-Efficacy and Breastfeeding Behavior in a Sample of Hispanic Women , Ivonne F. Hernandez

Knowledge and Acceptance of HPV and the HPV Vaccine in Young Men and Their Intention to be Vaccinated , Brenda Renee Jasper

The Relationships Between Sleep Disturbances, Depression, Inflammatory Markers, and Sexual Trauma in Female Veterans , Ellen Marcolongo

Examination of Possible Protective Effect of Rhesus D Positive Blood Factor on Toxoplasma-related Depressive Symptoms in Pregnancy , Lisa Lynn Parnell

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners Regarding Skin Cancer Assessmnets: Validity and Reliability of a New Instrument , Debra Michelle Shelby

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Knowledge and Practice of Reproductive Health among Mothers and their Impact on Fetal Birth Outcomes: A Case of Eritrea , Winta Negusse Araya

Race/Ethnicity, Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality, Physical and Psychological Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors , Pinky H. Budhrani

Factors Predicting Pap Smear Adherence in HIV-infected Women: Using the Health Belief Model , Crystal L. Chapman Lambert

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Body Mass Index on Vitamin D Levels in African American Women with and without Diabetes Living in Areas with Abundant Sunshine , Shani Vann Davis

Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients with Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma , Darcie Marie Deaver

Relationship between dysphoric moods, risk-taking behaviors, and Toxoplasma gondii antibody titers in female veterans , Allyson Radford Duffy

Prenatal Stress, Depression, and Herpes Viral Titers , Pao-Chu Hsu

Factors Associated with Fear of Breast Cancer Recurrence Among Survivors , Jean Marie Lucas

Sickle Cell Disease: The Role of Self-Care Management , Nadine Matthie

Factors Influencing Vaccination Decisions in African American Mothers of Preschool Age Children , Chauntel Mckenzie Mcnair

The Strong Black Woman, Depression, and Emotional Eating , Michelle Renee Offutt

Development of an Investigator-designed Questionnaire Concerning Childbirth Delivery Options based on the Theory of Planned Behavior , Chun-Yi Tai

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Mediating Effect of Distress Caused by Constipation on Predictors of Quality of Life of Hospice Patients with Cancer. , Abdel Alkhalouf

Testing a Model of Bacterial Vaginosis among Black Women , Jessica Brumley

The Effect of Tight Glycemic Control on Surgical Site Infection Rates in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery , Sierra Gower

Development of a Tool for Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Preventive Interventions in Ancillary Services Patients , Monica Shutts Messer

Hospice Nurses- Attitudes and Knowledge about Pain Management , Amie Jacqueline Miller

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Literacy and Hazard Communication Comprehension of Employees Presenting to an Occupational Health Clinic , Christine Bouchard

A Meta-Analysis of Cultural Competence Education in Professional Nurses and Nursing Students , Ruth Wilmer Gallagher

Relationship Between Cancer-Related Fatigue and Depression: A Pilot Study , Gloria Michelle Guess

A Comparison of Oncology and Non-Oncology Nurses in Their Knowledge of Cancer Pain Management , Nicole Houle

Evaluating Knowledge and Attitudes of Graduate Nursing Students Regarding Pain , Eric Bartholomew Jackson

Bone Marrow Transplant Nurses' Attitudes about Caring for Patients Who are Near the End of Life: A Quality Improvement Project , Leslie Lauersdorf

Translation and Adaptation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale Into Tigrigna Language for Tigrigna Speaking Eritrean Immigrants in the United States , Mulubrhan Fisseha Mogos

Nurse Manager Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor to Registered Nurse Job Satisfaction and RN Perceptions of the Practice Environment and the Relationship to Patient, Nursing and Hospital Outcomes , Jacqueline Cecilia Munro

The Relationship of Mid-Pregnancy Levels of Cytokines, Stress, and Depression with Gestational Age at Delivery , Melissa Molinari Shelton

Prophylactic, Risk-Reducing Surgery in Unaffected BRCA-Positive Women: Quality Of Life, Sexual Functioning and Psychological Well-Being , Sharon Tollin

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Relationship Between FAM5C SNP (rs10920501) Variability, Metabolic Syndrome, and Inflammation, in Women with Coronary Heart Disease , Jennifer L. Cline

Women’s Perceptions of Postpartum Stress: A Narrative Analysis , Nancy Gilbert Crist

Lived Experience: Near-Fatal Adolescent Suicide Attempt , Phyllis Ann Dougherty

Exploring the Relationships among Work-Related Stress, Quality of Life, Job Satisfaction, and Anticipated Turnover on Nursing Units with Clinical Nurse Leaders , Mary Kohler

A Comparative Study of Knowledge of Pain Management in Certified and Non-Certified Oncology Nurses , Sherrie A. LaLande

Evaluating Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Nursing Students Regarding Pain Management , Jessica Latchman

Evaluation of Oncology Nurses' Knowledge, Practice Behaviors, and Confidence Specific to Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy , Rebecca Denise McAllister

Moderating the Effectiveness of Messages to Promote Physical Activity in Type 2 Diabetes , Rachel E. Myers

Factors Affecting the Process of Clinical Decision-Making in Pediatric Pain Management by Emergency Department Nurses , Teresa A. Russo

The Correlation Between Neuropathy Limitations and Depression in Chemotherapy Patients , Melissa Thebeau

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Fatigue Symptom Distress and Its Relationship with Quality Of Life in Adult Stem Cell Transplant Survivors , Suzan Fouad Abduljawad R.N., B.S.N.

Nursing Advocacy and the Accuracy of Intravenous to Oral Opioid Conversion at Discharge in the Cancer Patient , Maria L. Gallo R.N., O.C.N.

Transitional Care for Adolescents with HIV: Characteristics and Current Practices of the Adolescent Trials Network Systems of Care , Patricia Gilliam

The Effect of Ethical Ideology and Professional Values on Registered Nurses’ Intentions to Act Accountably , Susan R. Hartranft

Falls in Bone Marrow Transplant Patients: A Retrospective Study , Lura Henderson R.N., B.S.N.

Predictors of cancer caregiver depression symptomatology , Henry R. Rivera

Psychosocial outcomes of weight stigma among college students , Sabrina Joann Robinson

The Experience of Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer , Andrea Shaffer

The Relationship Between Uncertainty in Illness and Anxiety in Patients With Cancer , Naima Vera

Shifting Paradigms: The Development of Nursing Identity in Foreign-Educated Physicians Retrained as Nurses Practicing in the United States , Liwliwa Reyes Villagomeza

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Prostate Cancer Screening Intention Among African American Men: An Instrument Development Study , Susan Anita Baker

The Geriatric Cancer Experience in End of Life: Model Adaptation and Testing , Harleah G. Buck

Communication Systems and HIV/AIDS Sexual Decision Making in Older Adolescent and Young Adult Females , Rasheeta D. Chandler MS, ARNP, FNP-BC

Relationship of Anger Trait and Anger Expression to C-Reactive Protein in Post-Menopausal Women , Rosalyn Gross

Identifying Patients with Cancer at Risk of Experiencing a Fall While Hospitalized , Joann M. Heaton

Modulation of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell Maturation and Function by Cigarette Smoke Condensate in a Bronchial Epithelial Cell Co-Culture Model , Alison J. Montpetit

Cancer Patients with Pain: Examination of the Role of the Spouse/Partner Relationship In Mediating Quality of Life Outcomes for the Couple , Mary Ann Morgan

Development of an Ecological Model to Predict Risk for Acquisition of Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea During Acute Care Hospitalization , Susan Elaine Steele

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool , Cindy S. Tofthagen

Health Decision Behaviors: Appropriateness of Dietary Choice , Daryle Hermelin Wane

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Relationship Between Sleep-Wake Disturbance and Pain in Cancer Patients Admitted to Hospice Home Care , Marjorie Acierno

Wheelchair Positioning and Pulmonary Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy , Lee Barks

Structural Equation Model of Exercise in Women Utilizing the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms and Social Cognitive Variables , Sarah Elizabeth Cobb

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Writing a Thesis for Nursing School

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Writing a thesis presents an opportunity for graduate students to conduct scholarly inquiry, with the potential of publishing their finished paper. A thesis requires nursing students to identify a problem in nursing, and review academic literature while developing advanced research skills. Thesis advisors and committees guide students from the proposal phase to the final oral defense, a process that spans about two semesters.

Not every nursing student is required to complete a thesis. Some nursing programs offer a non-thesis option, in which candidates complete a final capstone project or oral examination on topics such as nursing theories and clinical practices.

The thesis process and requirements vary by school. Ohio State University’s master of science in nursing program’s final examination includes oral and written portions.

Want to know what to expect during the thesis process? Read on to learn how you can choose a thesis topic and orally defend your paper.

Choosing Your Nursing Thesis Topic

Nursing students must choose a thesis topic before they begin the research and writing process, typically within the first two terms of nursing school. A solid thesis must present an original argument, manageable research scope, and worthy academic pursuit. A thesis advisor or research professor will help to guide each student through the process of choosing a topic.

In the conceptual phase, candidates research potential thesis topics based on their interests within their nursing specialty. Students may start with a broad topic such as obesity and weight management, depression, or cardiovascular disease. To narrow their thesis argument, graduate students might focus on racial or ethnic groups, socio-economic issues, or current events.

After settling on a topic, students draft and submit a thesis proposal to an advisor or committee chair. Once this proposal has been approved, students can begin the formal work on his or her approved thesis topic.

While graduate students must complete a thesis to fulfill the requirements of a master’s degree in nursing, the thesis process also offers a chance for future nurses to immerse themselves in current academic literature and collaborate with fellow graduate students, faculty, and professors. A thesis can also serve as the foundation for doctoral studies. A thesis at the doctoral (PhD) level is called a dissertation.

Completing Your Nursing Thesis

Brainstorming a thesis topic begins as early as the first semester of a master’s in nursing program. The formal thesis process, which typically spans multiple terms, does not take place until the student’s final year, usually during the last term.

Thesis requirements vary by school, and students must meet specific deadlines and take prerequisite courses beforehand. At the University of Texas-Houston’s School of Nursing , candidates take a public health class before they submit a thesis proposal.

Future nurses work under the guidance of a thesis committee and advisor. The experience of writing a thesis trains students in original investigation, data collection, implementing research design, and public speaking. Candidates also learn to flex their analytical thinking skills and master a specific area of nursing as they develop the ability to analyze and draw conclusions through data.

At a program’s conclusion, students submit their thesis as a bound manuscript or electronic file. In addition to submitting a written report, students orally defend their final thesis in front of the committee. Many graduates also submit their manuscripts for publication.

Presenting Your Nursing Thesis

Graduate students generally orally defend their proposal and present their completed thesis in front of their committee. This committee also includes the thesis mentor, a faculty member specializing in the nursing discipline of their scholarly inquiry. There are generally 3 total committee members on a thesis committee.

Fellow graduate students or consultants outside of the college may attend presentations, if the process is open to the public. Otherwise, the thesis defense remains a private session, with students presenting their findings. The oral examination of the thesis takes up to one hour, but can last longer depending on how many questions the committee has for the student.

During that time, the committee evaluates the thesis based on how the research experience has shaped the student’s graduate education and the findings’ significance to the nursing field. When the exam concludes, the committee either accepts or rejects the thesis defense.

How is a Nursing Thesis Graded?

Nursing schools rely on each committee to formally grade each product in the thesis process. Some graduate nursing students may receive a letter grade, while other nursing schools adhere to a “pass” or “fail” policy.

To determine a grade, the committee assesses the thesis based on set criteria. Committee members look at the project’s key components, including the statement of purpose, literature review, research methodology, analysis, findings, and implications. The process and grading criteria for the thesis process can be found in the school’s graduate handbook. Most of these handbooks are published online for student review.

The thesis must identify significant issues or service gaps in nursing and present them in a concise and coherent fashion. Candidates must support all findings and analysis by research and explain the implications for healthcare.

The oral defense also factors into the grade. The committee grades the defense based on the quality of the student’s presentation, taking into consideration if the student spoke clearly and presented a logical and well-organized argument.

What is the Difference Between a Nursing Thesis and a Capstone?

A nursing thesis and a capstone demonstrate the student’s comprehensive knowledge and educational journey. Graduate students in a non-research track may have the choice of completing a clinical project. Doctoral of Nursing ( DNP ) students complete a capstone project.

Graduate-level nursing students work on an original scholarly inquiry during their thesis, while undergraduates recap their cumulative learning experience. The thesis process, which includes completing nursing courses and writing a proposal, takes place over the entire program.

Learn more about the difference between a thesis and capstone project on this page .

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College of Nursing Dissertations and Theses

The College of Nursing Dissertations and Theses Series is comprised of dissertations theses authored by Marquette University's College of Nursing doctoral and master's students.

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Why We Work: Exploring the Relationships Between Work Rewards, Burnout, and Intention to Leave for Professional Nurses , Jacqueline Christianson

Examining Relationships Among Nursing Students' Views of Suffering, Positive Thinking, and Professional Quality of Life , Ruth Anne Engbers

THE IMPACT OF PEDAGOGY AND PROGRAM ON PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION FOR PRE-LICENSURE NURSING STUDENTS , Virginia F. Riggs

APPLICATION OF THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH TO GERIATRIC PATIENTS BY NURSE PRACTITIONER STUDENTS , Theresa Marie Gruenke Schnable

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Mediating Effects of Positive Thinking on Compassion Fatigue, Compassion Satisfaction, and Resilience in Nurse Leaders , Jay Randall Gottschalk

Exploring Relationships Between Depression Self-stigma and Trust in Primary Care Provider on Willingness to Seek Help , Tana Karenke

The Impact of Nutrition Literacy and Neighborhood on Diet Quality in the Mexican Origin Population , Sylvia Pena

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Experiences of Exclusively Expressing Breast Milk for Term Infants: A Qualitative Analysis , Lisa Anders

Examining the Relationship of Physical Activity, Inflammation & Adiposity on Physical Function with Gender Differences , Jeanne Hlebichuk

Securing Nasogastric Tubes in Children , Julie Ann Lavoie

Exploring Culture of Safety and Failure to Rescue , Holly Lynn Losurdo

Processes Used by Mothers in Opioid Recovery to Manage the Needs of the Maternal-Infant Dyad: A Grounded Theory Study , Nicole M. Mattson

Pregnant Women's Experiences with Gastrointestinal Discomforts and Strategies They Use to Cope , Heidi Jo Paquette

Examining Social Factors in Self-Management for Older Adults Living Alone , Margaret Salinas

Effectiveness of a Postpartum Breastfeeding Protocol for Avoiding Pregnancy and Descriptive Analysis of the Physiology of the Postpartum Transition , Mary Schneider

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Modeling Heart Failure Predictive Mortality in Skilled Nursing Facilities , Stephen Charles Biondi

Understanding the Requisite Content for Interprofessional Education on Sentinel Injuries, A Qualitative Study , Elizabeth A. Cleek

Leading Rural Nurse Academic Progression , Cynthia Jean Larsen

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Influence of Continuity of Nursing Care in the Acute Care Setting on Readiness for Discharge and Post-Discharge Return to Hospital , Sarah J. Bahr

Understanding Baccalaureate Nursing Education Progression from the Student Perspective Using a Grounded Theory Approach , Jennifer Jean Dahlman

Identifying a History of Nonfatal Strangulation: What Impacts Screening by Healthcare, Law Enforcement and Advocates? , Jennifer Delwiche

Healthcare Provider Influence on Health Behavior Modification in Gestational Diabetics , Denise K. Fryzelka

Measuring Polyvictimization Among Vulnerable Children: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis , Kelli J. Jones

Toward Quality Preceptorship: A Dyad Sudy , Laurie Ann Kunkel-Jordan

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Qualitative Exploration of the Perceptions of Nursing Undergraduates Regarding Family Care at End-of-Life , Penny A. Alt-Gehrman

Evaluation of Clinical Growth and Nursing Student Motivation in the Traditional Clinical Learning Environment , Jessica Barkimer

United States Born Mexican Origin Women's Descriptions About Their Eating Patterns , Juanita Teresa Garcia

Comparing Interprofessional Socialization in Mixed Discipline and Nursing Student only Cohorts , Kara Groom

Chronic Stress and Reproductive Function in Female Childhood Cancer Survivors , Theresa Marie Hardy

Understanding Relationships Between Early Life Toxic Stress, Childhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage, and Allostatic Load in Adolescence , Amanda King

Pre-Death Grief, Resourcefulness and Perceived Stress Among Care Givers of Partners with Young Onset Dementia , Karie Kobiske

Home Health Care Effect in Post-Discharge Return to Hospital , Danielle M. Siclovan

The Impact of Advance Directives on the Intensity of Care Received in the Acute Care Setting in Older Adults , Marsha Helen Tyacke

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Mediating Effects of Positive Thinking and Social Support on Suicide Resilience Among Undergraduate Students , Denise Marie Matel-Anderson

The Development and Psychometric Analysis of the MU- Fertility Knowledge Assessment Scale , Qiyan Mu

Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Experiences with Prognosis-Related Communication , Amy Rose Newman

Relationship of Exposure to Heart Failure Discharge Teaching to Readmission Within 30 Days , Becky Ann Pogacar

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Effect of Sequence of Simulated and Clinical Practicum Learning Experiences on Clinical Competency , Jamie Hansen

Experiences of Registered Nurses Who Were Not Initially Successful on the NCLEX-RN, Then Subsequently Passed , Tammy L. Kasprovich

Racially and Ethnically Underrepresented Students’ Completion of RN BSN Program: Factors Affecting Success , Patricia Ann Varga

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Role of Shared Care in the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Self-Care in Patients with Heart Failure , Susan Cole

Diffusion of Inclusion: Measuring Willingness , Janet A. Levey

Effects of Spiritual Care Education on Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Competence , Cheryl Lynn Petersen

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Relationships among Uncertainty, Coping, and Psychological Distress in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment , Jennifer Sjostedt Avery

Spirituality And Religiosity In Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease: A Descriptive Qualitative Study , Dora L. Clayton-Jones

A Feminist Perspective On Listening To Women: Birth Stories Of Vaginal Birth Following Previous Cesarean Delivery , Elizabeth Hill-Karbowski

The Influence Of Patient Activation And Social Facilitation On Engagement In Postpartum Weight Self-Management Behaviors , Jennifer Marie Ohlendorf

Hispanic Mothers' Normative Beliefs and Intentions about the Discussion of Sex-Related Topics with Their Adolescent Daughters , Dana M. Rodriguez

Antecedents of Regular Exercise among Women Who Do and Do Not Achieve Weight Loss Over Six Months , Heather Vartanian

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Relationships Between Nurse Attributes, Site Characteristics, And Labor Support Attitudes And Behaviors Among Intrapartum Nurses , Ann Prenger Aschenbrenner

Patient Perceptions of Patient-Empowering Nurse Behaviors, Patient Activation, and Functional Health Status After Surgery , Teresa Arline Jerofke

Self-Care Behaviors of African Americans with Heart Failure: A Photovoice Project , Aimee A. Woda

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Academic Success Factors Influencing Linguistically Diverse and Native English Speaking Associate Degree Nursing Students , Josie Lynn Veal

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Associate Degree Nursing Students' Thoughts, Feelings, and Experiences of Short Study Abroad in a Low-Income Country , Cynthia Foronda

A Narrative Analysis of Perinatal Hospice Stories , Anthony Adams Lathrop

The Transition from Hospital to Home in Parents of Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients , Stacee M. Lerret

The Lived Experience of Hispanic new Graduate Nurses in the United States , Esther Morales

Pushing Techniques Used by Midwives When Providing Second Stage Labor Care , Kathryn Osborne

The Association of Spirituality, Religiosity, Depression, Anxiety, and Drug Use Among Persons Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy , Linda B. Piacentine

Parenting Behaviors and Their Relationship with a Child's Weight Status , Michele L. Polfuss

African American Women's Infant Feeding Choices: Analyzing Self-Efficacy and Narratives from a Black Feminist Perspective , Karen Marie Robinson

More than S.K.I.N. Deep: Decreasing Pressure Ulcer Development in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit , Christine A. Schindler

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Efficacy of a behavioral intervention to decrease medication transcription errors among professional nurses , Kathleen Ann Becker

Quality of Life: The Humanbecoming Perspective, A Descriptive Exploratory Study , Barbara J. Johnson Farmer

Factors Associated with Nurses' Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture in One University Hospital in China , Xianqiong Feng

The Meaning of Spirituality in Elders with Dementia , Lesley Boaz Gardiner

Understanding Relationships in Health Related Quality of Life for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Norah Louise Johnson

Loneliness, Self-Esteem, Cognition, Physical Functioning, and Nursing Home Satisfaction As Predictors of Depression , Lynn Rose Maloney

The Impact of Health Literacy and Patient Trust Glycemic Control , Josephine M. Mancuso

Investigating Relationships Among Collaborative Behavior, RN Experience and Perceptions of Discharge Teaching Quality , Jane Morgan Nosbusch

Is a School Based Educational Program Effective in Changing Knowledge Regarding the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome? , Margaret Kay Stelzel

Effects of Beta Blockade on Physiologic Regulation, Depressive Symptoms and Heart Failure Severity , Kimberly A. Udlis

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Self-Efficacy, Outcome Expectation, Self-Care Behavior and Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes , Kathryn B. Kott

Oppression in 21st Century Nursing , Linda K. Matheson

Predictors of success and failure on the NCLEX-RN for Baccalaureate graduates , Christine L Vandenhouten

Predictors of Success and Failure on the NCLEX-RN for Baccalaureate Graduates , Christine L. Vandenhouten

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Being-With Dying: Tacit Wisdom Embedded in the Experiences of Nurses Who Attend to Dying , Virginia L. Burton

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

An Organizational Case Study of Shared Leadership Development in Nursing , Vicki George

Submissions from 1971 1971

NURSES' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR HOSPITAL'S ORGANIZATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS , AUDREY MABEL STENVALL DE BLOCK

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Home > Colleges & Schools > School of Nursing > Nursing > NURSING_GRAD

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

THE PERCEPTIONS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA, CARE PARTNERS, CNAs/SITTERS, AND PROVIDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC UP TO NOW: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY , Gaudensia Awuor

Commitment to Collaboration: Development of a School Nursing Collaboration Instrument , Jodi S. Bullard

A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study Comparing Rural and Nonrural Critical Illness Survivors , Rebecca Greene

Resilience, Moral Courage, and Leadership Self-Efficacy Among Nurses , Deborah V. Haney

THE IMPACT OF RACE/ETHNICITY ON OCCUPATIONAL STRESS IN EAST TEXAS CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS , Jackie Schniederjan McDonald

Modifiable health disparities and cardiovascular disease risk factors in Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers: A meta-analysis , Cindy Mendez

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED STRESS AND ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY TO THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS , Ashley J. Pierre

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAMWORK, INTERPROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION, AND INTERPROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP , Kathleen M. Cox

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE IN NURSING CURRICULA: DEVELOPMENT OF A SIMULATION-BASED EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE HEALTH PROFESSIONS , Heather Guest

Nursing Students' Moral Courage Development Through Incivility Simulation Education , Melissa Madden

A Mixed Methods Study of Cultural Competence Among Nursing Students in Kenya , Sylvia Waweru

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

INFLUENCE OF RESILIENCE, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, AND TEAMWORK ON REGISTERED NURSE CIRCULATOR INTENT TO LEAVE , Mary Alice Anderson

Focused Ethnography: Storytelling for Hispanics with Low Health Literacy and Diabetes , Virginia H. Cadenhead

Relationship of Undergraduate Nursing Students' Emotional Intelligence and other Factors to ATI-NCLEX-RN Comprehensive Predictor Examination Performance , Sarah Y. Jimenez

DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL HUMILITY AND ETHNOCULTURAL EMPATHY IN NURSING STUDENTS , Claudia Keck

ASPECTS OF THE PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT AND NURSING WORK , Yolanda Keys

Birth Practice Beliefs of Undergraduate Nursing Students , Cassandra Sharelle Land

ASSESSING TRANSGENDER INCLUSION WITHIN A VETERANS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM: A DELPHI STUDY , Kathy-Jo B. Lee

Use of Standardized Test Results by Faculty and Students for Advanced Practice Nurse Certification Success , Dinorah Martinez-Anderson

Impact of Theory-Based Interventions on Meaningfulness of Undergraduate Nursing Pharmacology Student Learning , Betsy L. Mauldin

A Mixed-Methods Approach to Investigating the Influence of Education on Nurses’ Attitudes toward Sex Trafficking Victims , Tabitha McDaniel

Predicting Infection-Related Organ Failure: Expansion of SOFA Algorithm to Include Nursing Documentation , Tanna L. Nelson

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

UNDERSTANDING END-OF-LIFE CARE EXPERIENCES OF BACCALAUREATE MEXICAN AMERICAN NURSING STUDENTS: AN INTERPRETIVE PHENOMENOLOGY STUDY , Shalla M. Copeland

Patients' Disclosure of Sexual and Gender Minority Status: A Comparative, Multiple Case Study , Damon B. Cottrell

Effects of an Online Mindfulness Program on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Coping among Undergraduate Second-Year Nursing Students , Hollis Franco

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Nursing School Theses, Dissertations, and Doctoral Papers

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Home > USC Columbia > Nursing, College of > Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Is There a Relationship Between Direct Patient Care Registered Nurses Emotional Intelligence and Patient Satisfaction? , James J. Leach

The Impact of Shift Work on Women’s Neurological Health , Kathy Nelson

Nurse Perceptions of Caring and Professional Governance , Lan Angela Nguyen

Unlocking Population-Specific Treatments to Render Equitable Approaches and Management in Cardiovascular Disease (UPSTREAM CVD): African American Emerging Adults , Shannon Bright Smith

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Among African American Men Living in the Rural South of the United States , Serge Raoul Wandji

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Unintended Consequences of the Electronic Health Record And Cognitive Load in Emergency Department Nurses , Carolyn S. Harmon

Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Among Asian American Women , Jingxi Sheng

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Early Premature Infant Physiologic and Behavioral Indicators of ANS Instability , Karen Popp Becker

Nurses’ and Patients’ Perceptions of the Availability of Post-hospital Instrumental Support as a Predictor of 30- And 60-Day Acute Care Utilization , Beth E. Schultz

Race Is Not a Risk Factor: Examining the Influence of Models Of Care, Race, and Discrimination on Racial Disparities in Maternal Outcomes , Curisa Mae Tucker

Advancing Knowledge of Exercise as a Therapeutic Management Strategy for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Pamela J. Wright

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Examining Caregiver Vigilance for Child Sexual Abuse , Kate K. Chappell

Exploring Turnover Among Nurse Managers, Directors, and Executives in Acute Care Hospitals , Deborah Hughes Warden

Psychometric Evaluation of Lung Cancer Stigma Among Lung Cancer Survivors in South Carolina , Lisa A. Webb

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Utilization Of The USDA Supertracker System In High Schools: A Quality Improvement Project , Twanda D. Addison

Online Risks, Sexual Behaviors, And Mobile Technology Use In Early Adolescent Children: Parental Awareness, Protective Practices, And Mediation , Kendra Allison

Implementation of a Depression Screening Tool for Cardiovascular Patients in the Primary Care Setting , Amber Nicole Ballentine

Forensic Patient Flow: An Imbalance Between Capacity And Demand , Versie J. Bellamy

An Evidence-Based Evaluation Tool To Assist Healthcare Providers In Their Assessment Of Effective mhealth Applications For The Management Of Chronic Health Conditions , Sara Belle Donevant

The Effect of a Compassion Fatigue Awareness and Self-Care Skills Educational Program on Retention Among Certified Nursing Assistants Working in a Veterans Nursing Home , Michele M. Dreher

Efficiency Of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Vs. 5-Day Serial Monitoring In A Military Treatment Facility , Kadijatu Kakay

Initiating the Loeb Criteria in Long-term Care , Janice Khauslender

High Fidelity Simulation Experience and Development of Clinical Judgment: Recent Graduate Nurses’ Reflections , Martha Kay Lawrence

Implementing a Surgical Pathway to Reduce Operating Room Cancellation Rates , Demerise Ott Minor

Home Exercise Therapy For The Treatment Of Knee Osteoarthritis , Kezia Nixon

Assessment Of An Educational Intervention To Increase Knowledge And Intention To Take HPV Vaccine And Cervical Cancer Screening In Nigeria , Chigozie Anastacia Nkwonta

Chemotherapy Knowledge And Health Literacy Among Women With Breast Cancer , Pearman deTreville Parker

Using Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheters In Difficult Access Patients , Courtney Prince

Initiating a Peer Support Program for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Richland and Lexington Counties , Danielle P. Simmons

Implementation Of Provider And Workflow Strategies To Increase Adherence To Tqip Guidelines In Traumatic Brain Injury , Regina Thompson

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Best Practice for Screening Adult Patients with Psoriasis for Polyautoimmunity: Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn’s Disease , Susan Danielle Ashbaugh

Adherence of Nurse Practitioners to JNC 8 Guidelines , Stephanie E. Averette

Losing Weight with Five A’s (5 A’s): Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange framework and Motivational Interviewing (MI) for health behavior change counseling , Jacqueline Baer

A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce the Incidence of Clostridium difficile Infection through Implementation of Evidence-Based Terminal Clean Procedures , Tamara Cook

Tuberculosis Screening in New Healthcare Employees: A Comparison of QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube Test and Tuberculin Skin Test , Mary C. Giovannetti

Utility of the Modified Early Warning System Score in Early Sepsis Identification , Lisa E. Hart

Picturing Rest: A Photovoice Study Of African American Women’s Perceptions And Practices Of Rest , Eboni T. Herbert Harris

Developing And Implementing A Quality Assurance Strategy For Electroconvulsive Therapy , Jessa Hollingsworth

Improving Leadership Communication In Nurse-Physician Dyad Teams , Lisa James

Assessment of Providers’ Perception and Knowledge of Overactive Bladder in Women: A Quality Improvement Project , Helen Wambui Ngigi

Simulation-Based Interprofessional Education in a Rural Setting , Ann D. Scott

An Evidence-Based Process Change to Improve Mammography Adherence , Tara E. Smalls

Evaluation, Treatment, and Education In The Hospice Setting By Initiating a Formalized Pain Card , Alyssa M. Soprano

Scribes Impact On Patient And Provider Experience In The Outpatient Setting , Kimberly A. Taylor

Barriers to the Use of Guardrails On IV Smart Pumps , Ivory Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Nursing Attitudes towards Suicidal Patients in the Emergency Department: Assessment Interview Training , Belinda Beaver

MySleep101©: An Educational Mobile Medical Application for Sleep Health in Primary Care , Sonya Cook

Effects Of Sepsis Protocols On Health Outcomes Of Adult Patients With Sepsis , Monika U. Mróz

Multi-Symptom Management in Hospice Patients during End-of-Life Transition , Ashley N. B. Sirianni

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Best Practice for a Standardized and Safe Registered Nurse Shift Handoff , Nancy Rankin Ewing

An Evidence-Based Approach to Prepare Interdisciplinary Team Members for Implementation of the ABCDE Bundle , Jessica Murner Hamilton

Nurses Utilizing the V.O.I.C.E.S. HIV Prevention Intervention in the Black Church Community , Jason Richard

Unexpected and Interrupted Transitions Among Newly Licensed Registered Nurses: Perspectives of Nurse Managers and Preceptors , Sheri S. Webster

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Best Practice for Antipsychotic Medication Management in Community Dwelling Older Adults with Schizophrenia , Estelle Marie Brown

The Effects of Multiple Gratitude Interventions Among Informal Caregivers of Persons with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease , Cristy DeGregory

An Analysis of Interpreter-Mediated Healthcare Interactions , Robin Dawson Estrada

Quality Improvement Project: A Comparison of Daily Routine Chest Radiography Versus Clinically-Indicated Chest Radiography in Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Adult ICU Patients on Ventilators: An Evidenced Based Practice Project , Kimberly McKenney

Best Practices in High Fidelity Patient Simulation to Enhance Higher Order Thinking Skills , Kathryn S. Mock

Best Practices in the Management of Pediatric Obesity in Primary Care Clinics , Lori Moseley

Early Screening and Identification of Preschool Children Affected by Serious Emotional Disorders , Cathy Renee Robey-Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Improving the Diagnostic Accuracy of Failure-to-Rescue , Amelia Marie Joseph

Best Practice Guideline For Managing Interstitial Cystitis In Adult Women , Amanda Thomas Langford

The Use of Ultrasound as an Adjunct to X-Ray For the Localization and Removal of Soft Tissue Foreign Bodies in an Urgent Care Setting , Stacy Lane Merritt

Prevention of Skin Breakdown In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit , Lydia H. Palmer

A Pilot Intervention To Engage Nurses To Lead Transformation of The Workplace , Molly Patton

Foot Assessment In the Dialysis Unit , Karen Robertson

Emergency Department Triage Acuity Ratings: Embedding Esi Into the Electronic Medical Record , Candace Whitfield

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Best Practice to Promote Bone Health in Post-menopausal Women through Adequate Intake of Calcium and Vitamin D , Ellen Soley Adkins

Developing A Facilitated Pathway For Associate Degree Nursing Graduates to Enroll In An Rn-Bsn Program , Christy Vansant Cimineri

Pursuing Improved Quality of Life In the Atrial Fibrillation Population: Evidence-Based Practice , Jamie Hayes Cunningham

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion in Comparison to Subcutaneous Insulin Injections in the Preschooler with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus , Meredith D'Agostino

Transition to Motherhood-A Qualitative Study of Low Income Women's First Term Pregnancy Experiences , Lisa Bennett Duggan

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation For Prevention of Falls and Fractures In Older Adults , Cynthia Hartman

The Best Practice Guideline for Early Detection and Treatment of Heart Disease In Asymptomatic Adults with a Family History of Premature Coronary Artery Disease , Stephanie Brooke Huston

Best Practice Protocol for Patients with Schizophrenia and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders , Shauna Rae Jones

Transcultural Nursing Clinical Education: A Systematic Review of the Literature Since 2005 With Recommendations for International Immersion Clinical Courses , Deborah J. McQuilkin

Using a Consensus Process to Develop an Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for School Exclusion For Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis) , Michelle Lorraine Myer

Using Therapeutic Writing to Deconstruct Recovery from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) , Pamela Phillips

Improving Outcomes by Improving Practice: Evidence-Based Assessment, Prevention and Documentation of Pressure Ulcers In the ICU. , Kristy Fry Speronis

Increasing Awareness of Fertility Preservation Options in Cancer Patients & Survivors , Norma Sweet

Identification, Prevention and Treatment of Children with Decreased Bone Density , Laura Lee Szadek

Assessment and Strategic Planning to Determine the Growth Feasibility of a Distance-Based Rural Baccalaureate Nursing Program , Amber Proctor Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

A Research Utilization Project: Implementation of an Evidence-Based Behavioral Treatment for Students At-Risk of Dropout at Richland Northeast High School , Kathrene Carter Berger

The Impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 On the Evidence Based Practice of Distributive Justice Via Comfort Care In Elderly Burn Trauma Victims , Christina Pacileo Blottner

Parenting Interventions For Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence , Christie Michelle Furr-Roeske

Nurse State Legislators: The Journey to State Capitols , Debbie Whitman Herman

Autonomous Nurse Practitioner Practice: A Position Paper and Action Plan for Change , Patricia Susan Noser

Best Practices in The Use of Vena Cava Filters oo Prevent Pulmonary Emboli in Trauma Patients , Dennis Absher Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Assessment and Identification of Deliberate Self-Harm in the Adolescent and Young Adult Patient in the Primary Care Population , Courtney Brooks Catledge

A Best Practice Guideline for Screening and Treating Vitamin D Deficiency in a Primary Care Setting: Moving Beyond the Bones , Amy Jeanette Clark

Best Faculty Practice Plan Model for a Small College of Nursing , Sharyn Neiman Conrad

Impact of A Primary Care-Based Organ Donation Practice Initiative On Individual Willingness to Donate , Cyndi B. Faudree

Substance Abuse Treatment Avoidance, Length of Stay, and Criminal Justice Referral For Women of Reproductive Age In South Carolina Prior to and After theWhitner Decision (1993 to 2007) , Sarah J. Gareau

Childhood Obesity and School-Based Interventions: An Evidence-Based Best Practice Guideline , Jessica Guyton

The Best Practice Guideline For theTreatment of Pediatric Diaper Dermatitis , Kate Hansson Mack

A Church-Based Health Promotion Program for Older Adults: Impacts on Participants' Religiosity, Spirituality, and Social Support , Katherine Holland Pope

Dedicated Education Units: Dothey Improve Student Satisfaction? , Eileene Elizabeth Shake

Recommendation For A Best Practice Model of Hiv Management by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses In Primary Care Settings , Sabra Smith

Exploration of the Evidence to Support Clinical Practice to Decrease Hospital Readmission Rates For Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis , Shannon Bright Smith

Best Practices: Retaining Registered Nurses , Jessica Epps Wilkes

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Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Learn about our commitment to social justice and health equality and anti-racism.

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Learn more about Admissions at Columbia Nursing, including important dates and deadlines, and how to apply to all of our programs. 

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Explore the research areas of focus conducted by our faculty, postdocs, and students.

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The ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group, combines evidence-based practice with a personalized approach to provide quality care.

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Global opportunities for students.

Global opportunities for clinical practicum and research may be available for MDE and doctoral students at Columbia Nursing.

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of philosophy (phd), ignite your future with a columbia nursing phd.

The Columbia University School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists who will conduct research across a broad range of populations and health conditions. Importantly, much of our research is focused on health disparity populations with the long-term goal of informing health policy and clinical practice across the lifespan.

Columbia Nursing provides three years (eight semesters) of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and a stipend for full-time PhD students.

Program Design

Our PhD program provides students with an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing science and a strong foundation in research methods (design, statistics, measurement, quantitative and qualitative methods) for clinical, translational and health services research. All students are mentored by research advisors with active programs of research as they move toward independent research and assume the roles of doctorally prepared nurse scientists.  

As a Columbia Nursing PhD student, you will learn to:

• Design, conduct, and report multidisciplinary research studies that increase knowledge to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across the lifespan
• Advance the state of the science in a substantive area of research through application of innovative and rigorous methods
• Promote health and well-being for individuals and families in the context of their communities
• Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national, and international levels
• Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for delivery of health service
• Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple levels

As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia Nursing enjoys a unique collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and the College of Dental Medicine. CUIMC provides myriad opportunities for interprofessional collaboration in research . 

The PhD curriculum builds on the foundation of nursing science by bringing together practice, policy, translational research, and leadership. The core courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct relevant and well-designed research studies. Electives strengthen an area of clinical interest or intensify understanding of a specific research or analytic method. 

Both post-master's and post-BSN students admitted to the program will complete a minimum of 57 credits. The curriculum plan is designed to make it possible to complete the program in three years for those students with clearly defined plans for their dissertation research.

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

• Theoretical foundations of nursing science
• Analytical foundations of nursing science
• Electives and application

Students must be registered as full-time for the duration of the program (typically three to four years). The minimum number of semester credits in required coursework is 37 (four semesters) for eligibility to progress to the qualifying exam. Six of the 37 credits required to be completed prior to the qualifying examination are elective courses tailored to the student’s dissertation topic and/or dissertation methods. The PhD program requires nine credits of elective courses. A minimum of 57 total credits is required for program completion. 

Concurrent with Coursework

• Research Experience (participating in faculty research projects and/or a research practicum)
• Research Faculty Training

Request a Sample Academic Program Plan

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination helped me to combine the content I learned in my courses and my research interests so I could further articulate my research question. Performing a scoping review on my topic of interest immersed me in the current literature and was crucial to the development of my dissertation. This experience prepared me to successfully work independently through the rest of my Ph.D.

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

In addition to coursework, students must successfully complete a qualifying examination with written and oral components. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded after successful completion of the qualifying examination and the student enters doctoral candidacy status.

Dissertation

Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation reporting original research. Four dissertation credits are required each semester during the dissertation phase of study. 

Scholarship Expectations

My advisor and the Columbia Nursing faculty provided me exceptional guidance throughout the PhD program to extend my learning beyond the classroom with the goal of becoming an independent nurse scientist. I learned valuable skills and knowledge to successfully obtain a NIH-funded predoctoral training award, present research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals with good impact factors.

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

• Publication: At least one manuscript published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
• Grantsmanship: At least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or organization.
• Presentation: At least one abstract submitted for presentation as a poster or oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting.
• Networking: Student will attend at least one regional or national research meeting.

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

The coursework and research mentoring at Columbia Nursing helped prepare me for the next steps in my education and career post-PhD. In addition to structured coursework and educational seminars, the school provided beneficial informal support and resources. Feedback sessions with both peers and faculty were very helpful in preparing me to present posters and presentations at research conferences. The school also provided funds for travel to conferences where I presented my research. The grant writing workshop and mock reviews of grant applications provided me with tools and feedback needed to successfully apply for additional funding for my research. Finally, interdisciplinary research collaborations with faculty provided me with opportunities to work with researchers from several disciplines to complete my dissertation.

Melissa Beauchemin, PhD '19, MS '10, RN

PhD Student Handbook

The Columbia Nursing PhD student handbook provides information to aid doctoral students in planning coursework and proceeding through all phases of the program.

Request a PhD Student Handbook

What is it like to be a PhD student at Columbia Nursing?

Required courses (excluding electives).

Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda.

Interdisciplinary research is an approach to advancing scientific knowledge in which researchers from different disciplines work at the borders of those disciplines in order to address complex questions and problems. Successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies. This seminar will introduce students to competencies in interdisciplinary research through a combination of readings, case studies, and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. It is intended to assist learners to understand why and how different professional disciplines must work together to generate and disseminate knowledge. We will examine: different conceptualizations of interdisciplinary; barriers to and facilitators of interdisciplinary research; approaches, benefits, and limitations of collaboration and team science; methods for measuring interdisciplinary collaboration; the intersection of translational and interdisciplinary scientific strategies; and individual researchers' experiences with and evaluations of their own interdisciplinary scientific projects. Learners will develop a set of skills to be effective members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams.

The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research project. The specific nature of the experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include search and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.

This course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are associated with dissertation research.

This foundational course will examine the philosophy of nursing knowledge including foundations of nursing theory, concept development, and its application to research. Students will explore approaches to the analysis and development of concepts and the application of nursing concepts and frameworks to clinical practice and research. Ideas, assumptions, events, people, and writings are examined for their influence, inter-relationships, and significance to nursing. Types of reasoning will be evaluated within the context of nursing and health. Major theories, frameworks, and concepts of nursing and health and their implication for research will be discussed. The focus of the course will be on development of critical thinking skills in analyzing key elements of philosophies, concepts, and conceptual frameworks.

In this foundational course students will study the links between theory and the psychosocial and biophysical measures used in nursing research.  Students will employ the principles of classical test theory and item response theory to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurement.  Application of computational techniques will be covered in the lab portion of the course.  Course topics include types and uses of measures, item/scale development and validation, survey methods, reporting for publication, and the relationships between measurement and research ethics, cultural competency, and health disparities.

This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design. Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence; identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental research designs.

This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience. Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods, critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.

The course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20 hours/week.

This course is intended to provide a hands-on introduction to delivering data visualizations to serve as a critical lens through which individual and population level health can be examined. The proposed course will combine concepts and theory in data visualization and exploration and practice to enable the student to gain the necessary knowledge to use graphics and statistics to explore the data, find and construct a narrative, and share findings in ways colleagues and decision-makes can readily understand and act upon.

This course is designed to provide the tools for the doctorally prepared nurse to evaluate, translate and integrate published research results into clinical practice. During the course, students will learn how to conceptualize clinical practice problems and transform them into answerable clinical research questions, how to search for the best clinical evidence, and how to assess clinical evidence using basic epidemiological, biostatistical and scientific principles. The course will culminate in a systematic review or meta-analysis of a body of research relevant to advanced practice nursing.

Total Credits:

• Partnerships

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

YOU ARE BOUVÉ

Advance the science of nursing through innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry .

The PhD in Nursing program at Northeastern University prepares future nurse-scientists to advance nursing through innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry to improve the health of individuals and communities. Graduates are expected to lead research initiatives that advance nursing science through knowledge development and interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry.

Students will study with nursing faculty who collectively have a variety of expertise and interests and whose research addresses questions that extend across a broad health spectrum.

In addition, students have an opportunity to study with faculty from other Northeastern departments, as well as with other Boston-area researchers. This collaboration allows students to work across disciplines and to access populations and sites essential for completing a dissertation

Degree: Nursing PhD Application deadline: June 1 GRE: Required Study options: Full-time/part-time

Video: Chelsea Kirker, MSN, CRNA describes why she is doing a PhD at Northeastern

Chelsea Kirker, MSN, CRNA describes why she is doing a PhD at Northeastern

Post-master’s students  (also referred to as Advanced Entry)  will build on their prior degrees and clinical foundations by completing  48 semester hours , including the dissertation. 

Post-baccalaureate  students will complete  60 semester hours , including the dissertation.

On a full-time basis, students entering with a master’s degree can expect to commit a  minimum of three years  to completing the program; if entering with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of four years. Both full- and part-time options are available to all students. Course descriptions can be found in the PhD Handbook.

Graduates are expected to lead multidisciplinary research initiatives that advance nursing and health care through knowledge development and interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry. Students will work with nursing faculty whose research address innovative questions that seek to advance knowledge for improvement of care. In addition, students will have an opportunity to collaborate with faculty across the broader Northeastern University community in addition to Boston area research and healthcare institutions. This collaboration allows students to work across disciplines and to access populations and research sites essential to the success of their original dissertation study.

The Baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Northeastern University School of Nursing are accredited by the  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ,  655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791

Handbooks and Manuals

Sample curriculum.

Sample curriculum, subject to change.

Prerequisites

Both post-BSN and post-MSN students are expected to show satisfactory completion of a basic statistics course . Note:  Post-BSN students will be required to take an epidemiology course as part of their PhD coursework.

Full-time Sample Curriculum

Research core.

8 courses, 3 credits each unless otherwise noted — 22 credits

NRSG 7700  Science of Nursing

NRSG 7705  Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations in Nursing Science

NRSG 7709  Qualitative Research Methods

NRSG 7712  Quantitative Research Methods

NRSG 7715  Measurement in Clinical Research

NRSG 7750  Health Care of Urban Populations

NRSG 7770  Research Colloquium (1 credit)

NRSG 7755  Intervention Research: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation

Research Practicum

2 courses, 1-4 credits each · 6 credits

NRSG 9984 Students are required to complete 6 credits of supervised research practicum with a seasoned researcher. The purpose of the practicum is to develop student research skills through engagement with an active research project. Students must have a viable MA RN license. Research practicum activities vary and may include any or all of the following aspects of the research process:

• Assisting/conducting critical literature reviews
• Developing proposals
• Developing human subjects guidelines
• Recruiting and consenting participants
• Collecting data
• Managing data
• Analyzing data
• Developing presentations
• Writing scholarly research paper(s)

Post-Bac Required Courses

In addition, post-baccalaureate students are required to take:

NRSG 5121  Epidemiology and Population Health

NRSG 7104  Foundations in Nursing Research (3

2 Elective Courses (6 credits)

Electives may be taken in nursing or in an area related to the student’s dissertation research, including appropriate methodology and statistics courses.

2 courses, 3 credits each · 6 credits

Cognates are courses that are taken outside the School of Nursing and should provide depth and breadth to the student’s phenomenon of interest.

PHTH 5210  Biostatistics

PHTH 6210  Applied Regression Analysis

Dissertation

4 courses, 3 credits each unless otherwise noted · 8 credits total

NRSG 9845  Dissertation Seminar 1

NRSG 9846  Dissertation Seminar 2

NRSG 9990/9991  Dissertation

Admissions Requirements

*Note: A Massachusetts RN license is required by matriculation in the PhD program in order to do the research practicum component of the program. If you are a registered nurse, you may enter the PhD program after completing a baccalaureate or a master’s degree. A degree in nursing is preferred.

To apply to the PhD in Nursing you will need the following:

Current U.S. RN License *

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Official transcript(s) of ALL college-level study-to-date resume

Personal statement  indicating applicant’s personal goals for obtaining a DNP and expectations of the program

A minimum GRE of 300 or equivalent  for the verbal and quantitative combined, should be taken within the last five years

Three letters of recommendation  that address your potential in a career in nursing research

Satisfactory completion of a basic statistics course

Personal Statement   describing your goals, your reason for pursuing a PhD in nursing and your research area of interest

For international applicants  TOEFL scores or IELTS scores

Got questions?

Amanda Choflet, DNP, RN, NEA-BC 617-373-3488 [email protected]

Graduate Admissions 617-373-2708

Past PhD Dissertation Topics

Utilization of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Postoperative Pain in Anesthesia Chris Gill

Understanding college students’ motivations for the use and discontinued use of fitness related technology in relation to their physical activity behaviors Jessica Wallar

Experiences of School Nurses Caring for Newly Arrived Immigrant and Refugee Children Jacqueline Brady

An Exploration of the Influence of Stigma and Trauma in the Illness Representations of those Veterans who Decided to Initiate Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus Casey Garvey

Toward an Understanding of Suicidal Ideation Among Career Firefighters Elizabeth Henderson

Mold Exposure Levels in Inner-City Schools and Homes: An Examination of the Relationship Between Fungal Exposure and the Prevalence Rate of Asthmatic Symptoms Among Children Ages 5 to 15 Evin Howard

New-onset Delirium among Elderly Acute Care Orthopedic Trauma Patients: Sleep Disturbance and Nutritional Status as Modifiable Risk Factors Susan Maher

Stress, Resilience and Reintigration Among Post-9/11 US Veterans: A Holistic Investigation Anna Etchin

Exploring the Issues of HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis and Sexually Assaulted Individuals Meredith Scannell

Charting the Path from Diagnosis to Treatment: A Grounded Theory Study of Ovarian Cancer Rachel Pozzar

Frequently Asked Quesions

What’s the difference between the dnp and phd programs.

Northeastern offers two different doctoral degrees in nursing: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The PhD is a research-oriented degree, while the DNP is practice-oriented. Nurses interested in leadership might be interested in the DNP, whereas those interested in becoming nurse scientists would be a good fit for the PhD program.

What financial support is available for students?

A select number of competitive Graduate Assistantships are available for doctoral students. Graduate Assistantships cover tuition and include a stipend in exchange for working 20 hours/week as a research or teaching assistant.

NOTE: Graduate Assistantships are awarded each academic year.

Can I transfer credits towards the program ?

You may be able to transfer in up to 9 credits that have not been previously used towards another degree and were taken at the graduate level for a grade of B or better. Students must receive approval from the program director prior to transferring courses and must be enrolled in the program in order to begin the transfer process.

More information about Northeastern University’s transfer policy can be found in the  Bouve Transfer Policy.

Can I attend the program on a part-time basis ?

Full-time or part-time enrollment is available. Students who attend full-time complete the degree in five continuous semesters (21 months).

Students who attend part-time usually complete the degree in three years . Students must consult with the financial aid office to assure PT status is acceptable for loan eligibility . All students (full-time or part-time) must take the NRSG7100 Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice course as the first course which is offered in the Fall.

Can I speak with faculty in the PhD program that share my research interests ?

Yes, we would be happy to put you in touch with our faculty. Please send your query along with a description of research interests so that you can be appropriately matched to:

Dr. Rhonda Board Program Director [email protected]

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A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

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Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education . From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Dissertation

Candidacy examination, degree credentials, dissertation committee, dissertation status.

The Dissertation Proposal Defense serves as the Candidacy Examination. The purpose of the Candidacy Examination is to demonstrate an understanding of knowledge in the concentration area that supports the student’s dissertation research. Upon successful completion of required coursework and this examination, the student advances to degree candidacy status.

Students are expected to pass the Candidacy Examination no later than the end of the 3rd semester following Dissertation Seminar unless the student obtains written permission of the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair. Students who do not abide by these policies will no longer be in good academic standing (see “Academic Standing”) which will be reported to funding agencies and the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.  

Degree credentials (e.g., AD, BS, BSN, MS, MSN, PhD, EdD, DNP) are commonly used and indicate completion of a particular educational program. The highest degree attained is usually placed immediately after the last name. All or some of degrees can be used.

Terms used to indicate partial completion of a degree or student status such as “SNP” (student nurse practitioner), “PhDc” (PhD candidate) or “ABD” (all but dissertation) are fabricated terms and are not to be used.

The Dissertation Committee oversees and approves the research proposal, and ultimately, the dissertation.

Following Dissertation Seminar, the student will be registered for dissertation status.  Registration is done by the Office of Student Information and is required in each succeeding semester until all degree requirements are met. A student on Dissertation Status who wishes to take additional coursework may do so with approval of the academic advisor and Graduate Group in Nursing Chair depending on available funding for tuition. While supported by School of Nursing or federal funding, students may only take coursework that is directly related to their dissertation question.

The preparation of the dissertation constitutes the final phase of the PhD program. The dissertation should demonstrate a high-level of analytical and research competence and represent an original contribution to the field of nursing science. It is expected that the formation of a topic will begin in the early phases of study in the program and grow out of experience and work in the focused area of science and scholarship. It is also expected that the dissertation topic will build on the research and expertise of two or more members of the Graduate Group in Nursing. 

Dissertation Format

Generally, three dissertation formats are appropriate. The best option depends on the type of research planned. Each format is described in the table below, with an explanation of the nature and scope of work for the dissertation proposal. Note that all three formats are potentially suitable for qualitative and mixed-methods research; students pursuing a qualitative or mixed-methods project should consult with the Chair and the Dissertation Committee to determine the most appropriate format for the student’s specific study. The dissertation format must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee. Additional formats may be suggested as nursing science continues to evolve; formats of dissertations (and proposals) that are not addressed below will be considered. In this case, the Dissertation Chair and student will review their recommended format with the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair.

University of Pennsylvania policy permits dissertations based on joint work with other researchers, provided that, in such cases, a unique and separate dissertation is presented by each degree candidate. The candidate must include a concise account of his or her contribution to the whole work. Authorship of a dissertation by more than one degree candidate is not allowed.

Dissertation Formats

* NOTE: The proposal for a five-chapter or three-article dissertation may use the NIH PHS398 subheadings (Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Innovation, and Approach) provided that the background and significance are presented in sufficient depth to demonstrate thorough mastery of the relevant literature. PHS398 page limits do not apply; proposals using the PHS398 subheadings will likely be longer than 10-15 single-spaced pages. An NRSA proposal is not an acceptable dissertation proposal. If using the PHS398 subheadings for the dissertation proposal, the student should negotiate the appropriate scope of the Background and Significance section in advance with the Chair and Committee. An underdeveloped background and significance section may be grounds for failing the Candidacy Exam.   

The three manuscripts option may include manuscripts that are published during the course of the doctoral program; see the “Use of Copyrighted, Previously Published, or Coauthored Material” section of the University’s Doctoral Dissertation Manual  for details.

Requirements and Format of the Three Article Dissertation

The Graduate Group allows students who publish papers during their doctoral program to use these papers as part of their dissertation.  Following are the requirements and format for the Three Article dissertation option:

Dissertation Defense

When the written dissertation is completed to the satisfaction of the dissertation committee, an oral defense with public and closed components will be scheduled for two hours. The examining committee for the dissertation consists of the dissertation committee and two readers from the Graduate Group in Nursing who are appointed by the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair. All members of the Graduate Group and doctoral students as well as other individuals whose presence is desired by the student are invited to the public component. The public component consists of a brief presentation of the findings and their implications by the student followed by a brief question and answer by individuals who are not members of the examining committee. The following component may be either open or closed depending on the preference of the Dissertation Chair. In this portion, guests may be excused while questioning and discussion by the readers, the dissertation committee members, and the student occur. The dissertation defense is graded on a Pass/Fail basis with the majority of the five examiners necessary for a decision.

At least three members of the dissertation committee must participate in the defense. Defense may take place in person or remotely. 

Source: PennBook Academic Rules for PhDs and Research Masters Degrees

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PhD Dissertations

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COMPLETED PHD DISSERTATIONS

• Aric Bunch : High Versus Low-Fidelity Ultrasound Phantoms in the Acquisition of Needle to Vascular Target Contact Skill During Simulated Central Venous Line Placement
• Jessie Reich : Medical-surgical Nurses’ and Nursing Assistants’ Attitudes and Beliefs towards Young Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and their Perceptions of Barriers to Providing Quality Care to this Population
• Megan Moyer : Early Patient Mobilization in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit.
• Caroline Ortiz : Decia mi Mama: Traditional Medicine from Mexico Among Mexican Women American in the Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Gwen Hamid : The Association of Functioning, Relationship Quality and Community Reintegration to Depressive Symptoms in Miliary Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury
• Kathleen Williams : An Examination of the Relationship of Mandated Reporting to Pediatric Up-to-Date Immunization Status
• Marcia Gamaly : Comparing the effectiveness of self-directed and interactive online educational interventions to reduce obesity bias in nurses in the hospital setting
• Carol Devlin : The Relationship Between Preoperative Smoking Status and Postoperative Surgical Site Infections: A Secondary Analysis of the American College of Surgeons’ 2019 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data
• Kimberly Hampton : Survey of Baccalaureate Nursing Faculty About Non-Clinical Transition-to-Practice Courses and Their Perceived Effectiveness
• Tanya Carmichael : Effect of an Educational Intervention on Nursing Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes toward Caring for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People
• Waad Ali : The Influence of Undergraduate Informatics Education on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Use
• Marin Jacobwitz : Predictors of Poor Oral Feeding in Infants with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Following Surgical Intervention with Cardiopulmonary Bypass
• Patricia Griffith : The Effect of Structured Reflection on Diagnostic Reasoning Competency and Accuracy of Nurse Practitioner Students Who Experience Cognitive Bias: A Mixed Methods Experimental Study
• Mary Ann Zimmer : Enhancing Communication Skills of Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate Nursing Students Through the Use of Standardized Patients in Clinical Simulation
• Melissa Bourne : Clinical Nursing Faculty Perceptions about Teaching Pre-Licensure BSN Students to Provide Care for Adults with Developmental Disability in the Clinical Setting
• Melissa Leisen : Exploration of the Learning Experiences of Undergraduate Nursing Students in Relation to the Care of Children with Special Health Care Needs in Home-Based Respite Care
• Jodi Erickson : How Older Adults Perceive the Terminology “Allow Natural Death”: A Qualitative Dissertation
• Meg Kloster : Measuring Knowledge and Behavior after an Educational Program on Air Pollution as a Health Risk Reduction Strategy
• Emily Sheff : Factors Associated with Work Engagement among Doctorally Prepared Nursing Faculty
• Joseph Vena : The Lived Experience of Young Adults with Lymphoma During Acute Survivorship
• Megan M. Walsh : The Emotional Experience of Women with Multiple Sclerosis in the Postpartum Period
• Lyn Starrs-Zorn : The Lived Experience of Civilian, Female Spouse Caregivers of Community-Dwelling U.S. Veterans Who Sustained Polytrauma Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan
• Heiddy DiGregorio : Organizational Skill Development Using Simultaneous Multiple Patient Simulation
• Laura Klenke-Borgmann : The Effect of Interprofessional Simulations in the Classroom on Pre-Licensure, Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Clinical Judgment Development
• Sister Jackline Mayaka : Risk Factors Associated with Low-Birth-Weight Infants Among HIV-Positive Women and Related Outcomes of HIV-Exposed Low Birth Weight Infants at 18 Months Follow-up in Western Kenya
• Claire McKinley-Yoder : The Relationships Among Individual and School Characteristics and Long-Term Educational Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
• Ginger Schroers : Interruptions During Simulated Medication Administration: An Examination of Errors and Interruption Management Strategies
• Caitlin Yeager : The Role of Nurses in Surveillance of New and Emerging Infectious Disease to Enhance Global Health Security: A Delphi Study
• Cynthia Hambach : Using Standardized Patients in Simulated Learning Experiences to Develop Clinical Judgment and Clinical Competence of Sophomore Baccalaureate Nursing Students in a Foundations in Nursing Course
• Amal Alqahtani : Workplace Incivility and Work Ethic Across Three Generations of Saudi Nurses
• Zainab Al-Maqbali : Pre-gestational Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2), Gestational-Diabetes, and Pre-eclampsia with Preterm Birth Among Omani Women
• Susan Moyer : Fruit and Vegetable Intake of Young Adult Millennials
• Serah Nthenge : Perinatal Experiences of Women with Physical Disabilities
• Christine Pariseault : Nurse Practitioners Experiences of Polypharmacy in Older Adults in the Primary Care Setting
• Tara Sacco : The Relationship of the Work Environment to Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue in Critical Care Nurses  
• Mia Waldron : Relationship of Parental Health Literacy (PHL) and Perceptions of Home Discharge Readiness in NICU Parents of Black Preterm Infants 
• Lisa Aiello : Assessment of Genomic Knowledge among Nurses in an Online RN to BSN Completion Program
• Zaina Al Harmali : Nurse characteristics and perceptions about safety and error reporting in Omani hospitals
• Abdullah I. Al Salmi : Self-Management Behaviors & Quality of Life of Patents with Sickle Cell Disease
• Al Cadavero : Nurse Graduates’ Perceived Educational Needs after Experiencing the Death of a Patient
• Mandy Kirkpatrick : Development of Palliative Care Competence in Nursing Students Using Simulation
• Brittany Koons : Factors Related to Travel for Transplantation Among U.S. Kidney Transplant Candidates
• Michelle McKay : The Relationship of Frailty, Fear of Falling, and Depression with the Risk for Falls and Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
• Susan Myers : Postpartum Nurses’ Perceptions of Identifying and Providing Care for Mothers at Risk for Postpartum Depression
• Jennie Ryan : Parents’ Experience Using Medical Marijuana
• Cathy Sargent : The examination of nursing students’ attitudes towards chronic pain in the older adult.
• Saira Al-Bulushi : A Pilot Study of Standardized Patient Simulation Teaching Strategies and Instruments to Assess Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude of Primary Care Nurses in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
• Khamis Al-Mamari : Omani Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Clients with Mental Illness in General and Psychiatric Hospitals in Oman
• Faith Atte : Factors Related to Caregiver Burden in Family Members of Military Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury
• Adaorah Azotam : The Intention of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to Report Child Maltreatment
• Susan Birkhoff : Examining the Usability and Acceptability of a Patient-Centered Mobile Health Tracking App for Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Cancer Treatment
• Deborah Byrne : Evaluating the Level of Cultural Competence in Undergraduate Nursing Students Using Standardized Patients in Simulation
• Michael Cont i: A Descriptive Study Exploring the Perceptions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists about Collaboration with Physician Anesthesiologists
• Becky Coyle-Mueller : Family Nurse Practitioners’ Use of mHealth Apps for Health Promotion with Patients
• Patricia Gellasch : The Developmental Screening Behaviors, Skills, Facilitators and Constraints of Family Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care
• Stacy Hohenleitner : New Nursing Graduates’ Perceptions of Support
• Amanda Jenkinson : The Relationships Among Inner Strength, Depression, and Time Since Diagnosis to Quality of Life and Health Promoting Behaviors in Female Cancer Survivors
• Sue Lynch : The Lived Experience of Newly Qualified Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) Who Have Transitioned to the Hospital Operating Room Surgical Setting: A Phenomenological Perspective
• Carlene McLaughlin : The Effect of Debriefing with Good Judgment on Nurse Anesthesia Students’ Critical Event Recognition, Response, and Treatment
• Jacquelyn McMillion-Bohler : Nurse Educators’ Perceptions of the Characteristics and Behaviors of Master Teachers in Nursing
• Kathleen Monforto : A Comparison of Outcomes in Patients with Common Pediatric Diagnoses Admitted on Weekends to Those Admitted on Weekdays
• Hanan Saca-Hazboun : Knowledge and Health Beliefs about Breast Cancer Screening among Rural Palestinian Women: A Pilot Study
• Jenna Thate : Leveraging Documentation in the Electronic Health Record to Support Interprofessional Communication: A Delphi Study 
• Susan Vacca : Patient Delivered and Expedited Partner Therapy for Chlamydia Trachomatis among Adolescent Females Using School Based Health Centers  
• Eilleen Feehan Choi : Development and Analysis of the Sodium Knowledge and Skills Index for Heart Failure (SKASI-HF)
• Katie Hooven : Development and Testing of the Collaboration in the Clinical Learning Environment (CCLE) Tool
• Christina Lam : Nurse Faculty Members' Experiences Teaching Chronic Illness Self-Management Concepts: An Exploration Study
• Patricia Ann Oertwich : Emotional Intelligence as a Component of Leadership Development in Traditional Undergraduate BSN Students
• Kelly Reilly : The Use of Simulation in Transformational Leadership Development in the Nurse Manager Role
• Robin Weingarten Wood : Workplace Bullying Between Registered Nurses: Occurrence and Perceived Effects on Work Productivity
• Christina Whitehouse : From Hospital to Home: Aiding in Patient Transitions Through Education for Obese Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Lisa Broughton : An Examination of the Relationship among Nurses’ Work Environment, Nurses’ Education Level and Patient Outcomes
• Karen Goldschmidt : Perspective Transformation and Professional Values of Students Enrolled in an Online RN-to-BSN Degree Completion Program
• Jana Goodwin : The Lived Experience of non-English and limited English speaking Hispanic persons associated with a past inpatient hospitalization in the United States: A phenomenological study
• Carey Heck : A Study of Moral Distress in Novice and Experienced Nurses
• Virginia Jones : Perception of Graduates from Online Accelerated Pre-Licensure Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs on Quality of Educational Experience and Readiness for Clinical Practice
• Danielle Kohler : Assessment of Nurse Faculty’s Acceptance and Intent to Use Social Media Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 Model
• James Mendez : The Role of Perceived Social Support in the Transition to Life after Lung Transplantation
• Maria Van Pelt : The Aftermath of Perioperative Catastrophe: A National Study of Nurse Anesthetists
• Nancy Wise : Nutritional Knowledge, Healthy Eating Behaviors and Personal Self-Efficaciy in Pregnant Adolescents
• Sherry Burrell : Exploring Symptom Clusters and Quality of Life in Individuals Undergoing Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer
• Jaqueline Meyer : Part-time Baccalaureate Clinical Nursing Faculty in U.S. Schools of Nursing: Factors Related to Work Engagement, Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction
• Nada Al Moosa : A Quality Study of Change: Implementing Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement in Health Profession Education during a Period of Transition
• Raja Jadelhack : Assessment of a Patient Satisfaction Survey and its Relationship to Hospital Sector and Nurses’ Level of Education in One Region in Saudi Arabia
• Amanda Klockars-McMulle : Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Somatic Awareness Scale of Women with Spontaneous Preterm Labor
• Majed Alamri : Motivational Factors and Barriers Related to Saudi Arabian Nurses’ Pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
• Hilal Alrahbi : Diabetes Self-Management (DSM) in Omanis with Type-2 Diabetes
• Terri Ares : The Professional Socialization of Students in Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
• Ann Fronczek : The Lived Experience of the Primary Family Caregiver of a Person with Head and Neck Cancer
• Karen May : Assessing Faculty Knowledge of Disability-Related Law and Providing Academic Accommodation
• JoAnn Platko : Nursing Students’ Beliefs and Attitudes Regarding Pain Management Knowledge Across Educational Levels
• Michele Damas Smith : Utilization of Secondary Preventive Screenings (HIV, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol) Among African-American Men in Comparison to Non-Hispanic Caucasian Men
• Amy Weaver : The Effect of a Model Demonstration During Debriefing on Students’ Clinical Judgment, Self-Confidence, and Satisfaction During a Simulated Learning Experience
• Pennie Sessler Branden : The Nurse as Advocate: A Grounded Theory Perspective
• Margaret Hattori-Uchima : Chuukese Migrant Women in Guam: Perceptions of Barriers to Health Care
• Michelle Kelly : Life After Prematurity:  Special Health Care Needs, Working Memory, and Health-related Quality of Life Among 9- to 11-year old Children Born Prematurely
• Catherine Morse : The Effect of Debriefing with Good Judgment on Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Students' Reflective Ability and Perspective Transformation.
• Lisa Thiemann : Nonsurgical Pain Management Infection Prevention Competencies
• Teresa Conte : Pediatric Oncology Nurses’ Lived Experiences of Loss and Grief
• Anne Fink : Primiparous Puerto Rican Women’s Self-Reports of Postpartum Infant and Self-Care Knowledge Acquisition
• Janet Fogg : The Experience of Parenting for Single, Unpartnered Mothers of Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Suzanne Foley : The First Months at Home: The Perceived Needs of an American Sample of Postpartum Women
• Catherine Heilferty : The Balance We Seek:  A Sequential Narrative Analysis of Childhood Cancer Blogs
• Stephanie Jeffers : Nurse Faculty Perceptions of End-of-Life Education in the Clinical Setting:  A Phenomenological Perspective
• Kelly Kuhns : Nursing Faculty Members' Use of Web 2.0 Technology and Perceptions of Importance of Online Faculty Presence
• Jennifer Gunberg Ross : The Effect of Simulation Training on Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Competency in Performing Intramuscular Injection
• Joanne Schwartz : A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Graduates of an Accelerated Second-Degree Baccalaureate Nursing Program and Graduates of a Traditional Baccalaureate Nursing Program in Demographics, Nursing Professional Development and Nursing Career Satisfaction
• Jodie Szlachta : The Effect of a Peer-Instruction Model in Nurse Anesthesia Student Learning in the High Fidelity Patient Simulator
• Ruth Crothers : The Development of Organized Continuing Education for Registered Nurses in the United States 1957-1974: Challenge for a Maturing Profession
• Elizabeth M. Romeo : The Predictive Ability of Critical Thinking, Nursing GPA and SAT Scores on First-Time NCLEX-RN® Performance
• Cynthia Rubenstein : Assessing and Improving Child Feeding Practices through "Take Charge of Your Family’s Health"
• Lorraine Rusch : Exploring Clinical Reason and Decision Making in Nursing Students.
• Jennifer Specht : Use of Mentoring to Ease Role Conflict and Role Ambiguity in Neophyte Nursing Faculty.
• Tamara M. Kear : An Investigation of Transformative Learning Experiences during Associate Degree Nursing Education Using Narrative Methods
• Bonnie Baloga-Altieri : Comparison of Staff Nurse Perceptions of Nurse Executive and Nurse Manager Leadership in Magnet and non-Magnet Hospitals
• Catherine Lovecchio :   On-Line Alcohol Education: Impact on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of First-Year College Students
• Ruth McDermott-Levy : The Lived Experience of Female Arab-Muslim Nurses Studying in the United States
• Amy McKeever :   Female College Students’ Self-Reported Behavioral Change After an Educational Intervention to Reduce Behaviors Associated with Cervical Cancer Risk
• Ann T. Vitale : Nurses’ Lived Experience of Reiki for Self-Care

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• Volume 24, Issue 1
• Producing a successful PhD thesis
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• http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4308-4219 David Barrett 1 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9104-1999 Alison Rodriguez 2 ,
• Joanna Smith 3
• 1 Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Hull , Hull , UK
• 2 School of Healthcare , University of Leeds , Leeds , West Yorkshire , UK
• 3 School of Healthcare , University of Leeds , Leedss , West Yorkshire , UK
• Correspondence to Dr David Barrett, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK; D.I.Barrett{at}hull.ac.uk

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebnurs-2020-103376

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• statistics & research methods
• nurse education
• qualitative research

All doctoral students strive for the day—after years of often all-consuming study—that their thesis is ready to submit. For both doctoral students and supervisors there is often trepidation about whether the thesis will meet the criteria to merit the award of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). As anxieties increase, doctoral students often ask what makes a good PhD, something we explored in a recent ‘Research Made Simple’ article, 1 but perhaps the more important question is ‘what makes a PhD student successful?’ In this article we outline the core criteria on which PhD theses are judged and offer suggestions for achieving success.

How are PhDs assessed

Traditionally, a PhD involves 3 to 4 years of full-time study (or a longer part-time programme), which is assessed by the student submitting the work they have undertaken as a thesis or—less commonly—a portfolio of published papers and an associated narrative (sometimes referred to as ‘PhD by publication’). In addition, the student must undertake an oral defence of their work through a discussion (the ‘viva’) with examiners, who are deemed to be experts in the field of study or with related methodological expertise. 2

Sets out the problem and context of the research, including theoretical perspectives.

Outlines existing approaches that have addressed the problem or related issues before, typically by undertaking a thorough critical analysis of literature and identifying a gap in the evidence.

Justifies and critically evaluates the research methodologies and methods chosen to address the problem.

Presents the finding of the research and how they add to existing knowledge.

Makes recommendations as to how the findings can advance the discipline and improve practice, and/or suggest further research directions.

What criteria are used to assess a PhD thesis?

The core criteria for PhD success—ubiquitous to all disciplines and universities—are that the student;

Has made an original and significant contribution to knowledge of the topic under investigation;

Draws on a well-argued and cohesive conceptual/theoretical framework;

Demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate and justify the research methodology and methods adopted;

Can convey information (written and verbally) succinctly;

Produces a thesis is of sufficient rigour that the work is evaluated as publishable in relevant discipline-specific journal(s).

Table 1 highlights some of the key ingredients of PhD success, in terms of the study, thesis and viva.

• View inline

Key principles to PhD study success

Justifying methods

The justification of methodological choices is usually presented in a distinct chapter that typically has two components: first, a ‘big picture’ description of the theoretical perspective and methodological justification (sometimes called the research approach), followed by an account of procedure (methods) of how the research was undertaken.

Critical writing

An essential criterion expected from examiners is that students demonstrate criticality in the way they present and defend information. This can be a challenge, and many PhD students perceive that there is little guidance about how to develop effective arguments and few opportunities to develop critical writing skills. 2 3 Similar to developing knowledge and understanding of research methods, students need the knowledge and skills for effective oral communication of ideas and writing. 3

The student must be able to write succinctly and critically to produce a robust and coherent thesis. 2 4 A thesis should open with a clear outline of the problem, informing the reader what the thesis about and why the topic is important. It should detail what contexts and perspectives are relevant and offer an outline to the layout of the thesis. In all chapters, students should consider the following:

Use of ‘signposts’ to tell the reader where they are going to go, summarising afterwards and providing appropriate links throughout.

Meaningful headings: the content of chapters and sections need to reflect the heading.

Avoidance of vague terms or superfluous words, keeping sentences clear and focussed.

Paragraphs that are distinct enough to explore and evaluate a clear issue but linked well enough to enhance the flow of the thesis. A general rule of thumb is that a paragraph should be about half a page: any less and there is limited criticality, any longer and there is a tendency to ramble, lose focus and cause the reader to become disengaged.

A PhD is not about how much the student can write: it is about how well they articulate and critically analyse information.

Critical writing at Doctoral level is essential to establish the quality of the research and the credibility of the researcher. A good thesis creates a portrait of an authoritative and competent researcher, and critical writing is crucial for building the examiners’ confidence in the research undertaken.

Publishable standard of the work

Publishing in refereed journals and conferences is the traditional way in which the research community disseminates findings and builds knowledge, although there is increasing recognition of the role of social media platforms as a means of rapidly sharing knowledge. Refereed journals use recognised standards (such as the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines for trials) 5 and rigorous review processes to assess the quality of a research paper, which must be met for successful publication. It is therefore unsurprising that many examiners view a thesis more favourably if a student provides evidence of having published elements of their work. 6

Summary of key considerations

Unlike undergraduate assessment, there is a paucity of research exploring the assessment of PhDs. However, a study that explored the process and judgements of experienced examiners, 6 provided a valuable summary of the characteristics of a poor and excellent thesis ( table 2 ).

Characteristics of a poor and excellent thesis 6

This article has outlined some of the steps that a PhD student should consider in order to produce a high-quality thesis and ensure a successful viva. We have considered how it is important that decision-making is transparent in the thesis, and defendable in the oral defence/viva. A PhD thesis should show evidence of originality and theoretical/conceptual cohesiveness, communicated via the student’s critical writing ability. The thesis and defence provide students with the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise in the field, offers them a methodological stage and gives the platform to share their critical perceptions, experiences and expertise.

• Rodriguez A ,
• McKenna C , et al
• Wellington J
• Campbell MK ,
• Elbourne DR ,
• Altman DG , et al
• Mullins G ,

Twitter @barrett1972, @ARodriguez339, @josmith175

Competing interests None declared.

Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

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Home > College of Nursing > Nursing Student Scholarship and Creative Works > Nursing Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nursing Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A collection of Nursing Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Racial Discrimination, Social Support and Psychological Distress among Black Pregnant Women , Camilla Carey

The Associations Among Racial Discrimination, Perceived Stress and Birth Satisfaction Among Black Women , Amanda de la Serna

A Digitally Enhanced Virtual Cognitive Behavior Skill Building Intervention to Reduce Parent Stress and Family Obesogenic Behaviors , Sharlene Smith

Mother-Father Relationship and Perceived Stress among Black Pregnant Women: A Mixed Methods Approach , Jenna Wheeler

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Nurse Managers' Patient Safety Communication , Christine Deatrick

Exploration of the Oral Microbiome in Non-Ventilated Hospitalized Patients , Kimberly Emery

Social Support and Empowerment Among Caregivers of Children with Asthma , Lauren Lebo

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Factors Associated with Resilience and Sense of Coherence in Adult Transgender Persons: Identifying Predictors to Reduce Health Disparities in a Vulnerable Population , Jake Bush

Cognitive Rehearsal, Self-efficacy, and Workplace Incivility Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students , Alina Diaz-Cruz

Survivors of Human Trafficking: Reintegration into the Community and Society , Charrita Ernewein

Remembering to Resume: Using Simulation-based Education to Teach Nursing Students to Manage Interruptions , Peggy Hill

First Impressions of the Bedside Nurse From the Patient Perspective , Sharon Imes

The Influences of Generational Membership and Practice Environment on Nurse Manager Job Satisfaction , Angela Keith

Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurse Practitioner's Assessment of Adults with Signs and Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder , Kelli Lipscomb

Ethical Decision Making Among Nurses Participating in Social Media , Melissa Lynn

Hospital Readmission After Major Abdominal/Colorectal Surgeries: A Mixed-Methods Study , Ansu Sebastian

The Effect of the Medilepsy Mobile App on Medication Adherence and Transition Readiness in Adolescents and Young Adults with Epilepsy , Michelle Tall

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Access and Utilization of Prenatal Care in Florida and its Effects on Preterm Birth , Corinne Audette

Nurse-Physician Collaboration during Bedside Rounding: What is the Impact on the Nurse? , Martha Decesere

The Relationship of Cognitive Load and Different Participant Roles on Knowledge Retention in Simulation-based Learning Among Undergraduate Nursing Students , Amanda Houston

Undergraduate Nursing Students' Depth of Reflection and Perceptions of Self-Debriefing Following Virtual Simulation: A Multi-method Descriptive Study , Valorie MacKenna

Patients with a Left Ventricular Device and Factors Affecting Readmission , Diana Pitcher

Geographic Access to Community Mental Healthcare and Adherence to Treatment Among Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders , Marie Smith-East

The Effect of Acuity-based Nurse Staffing on Nursing Medication Errors , Egidius Maria Eugene Waterval

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Persistence of Physical Activity Among Veterans , Jean Davis

Factors Influencing Nurse Practitioners' Weight Management Practices in Primary Care , Suzanne Hyer

Evaluation of Postoperative Air Leak and Chest Tube Drainage Systems after Pulmonary Resection , Kristina Jacobsen

Stress, Coping, and Quality of Life Among Parental Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Dawn Turnage

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Understanding the Perceived Experiences of Goal Setting of Mothers of Preschool Children: A Narrative Analysis , Dawn Eckhoff

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Influences of Mindfulness and Neuromotor Exercise Mode on Balance in Healthy Older Adults , Maxine Hicks

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

An Evaluation of Anxiety Following Substance Abuse Withdrawal and Assessment of Somatic Treatments presently Available with a Focus on Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation , Janet Hutchison

Perceived readiness to transition to adult health care for youth with cystic fibrosis and congruence with their caregivers' views , Valerie Lapp

Evaluating Moral Distress, Moral Distress Residue and Moral Courage in Oncology Nurses , Lolita Melhado

Preschool Attendance: A Parental and Teacher Perspective of Barriers and Behaviors using Grounded Theory Research , Anne Meoli

Prehabilitation (Prehab): Prevention in Motion , Billie Russell

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Impact of Interruption Frequency on Nurses' Performance, Satisfaction, and Cognition During Patient-Controlled Analgesia Use in the Simulated Setting , Kristi Campoe

Perceived Social Support and Self-care in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure , Lyne Chamberlain

Rapid Response Teams versus Critical Care Outreach Teams: Unplanned Escalations in Care and Associated Outcomes , Valerie Danesh

The Impact of Relational Coordination and the Nurse on Patient Outcomes , Fanya DeJesus

Family Care Giver Knowledge, Patient Illness Characteristics, and Unplanned Hospital Admissions in Older Adults with Cancer , Patricia Geddie

Helping Mothers Defend their Decision to Breastfeed , Kandis Natoli

Nurse Managers, Work Environment Factors and Workplace Bullying , Joy Parchment

A Faith-Based Primary Diabetes Prevention Intervention for At-Risk Puerto Rican Adults: A Feasibility Study , Sylvia Torres-Thomas

Pre and Post Implementation Evaluation of an Emergency Department Severe Sepsis Alert and Practice Protocol , Darleen Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Factors Associated With Information Literacy Competencies Of The Traditional Baccalaureate Nursing Student , Patricia Lafferty

Mobile Phone Short Message Service (SMS) to Improve Malaria Pharmacoadherence in Zambia , Elinda Steury

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Evaluation Of A Mind-body Website By Women With Breast Cancer , Laura Beck

Nutrition Literacy And Demographic Variables As Predictors Of Adolescent Weight Status In A Florida County , Leslee D'Amato-Kubiet

Ventilator-associated Complications In The Mechanically Ventilated Veteran , Joan Grano

The Early Postpartum Experience Of Previously Infertile Mothers , Sigrid Ladores

Early And Intermediate Hospital-to-home Transition Outcomes Of Older Adults Diagnosed With Diabetes , Jacqueline Lamanna

Improving Chronic Kidney Disease Care With Group Visits , Vicki Montoya

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

An Exploratory Study Of Physiologic Responses To A Passive Exercise Intervention In Mechanically-ventilated Critically Ill Adults , Christina M. Amidei

The Self-described Experience Of Coping And Adaptation Associated With Workplace Stress Of Registered Nurses In The Acute Care Setting In Florida: An Ethnographic Study , Joyce Burr

Predictors Of Immunosuppressant Adherence In Long-term Renal Transplant Recipients , Sandra J. Galura

Stressors Experienced By Emergency Department Registered Nurses At The Bedside: A Phenomenological Study , Stephen D. Heglund

Noncardiac Chest Pain: The Use Of High Resolution Manometry As A Diagnostic Tool , Iman Hilal

Infection Control And Health Care Associated Infection (hcai) In The Nursing Home: A Study To Determine The Impact Of An Educational Video And Pamphlet About Infection Control On Knowledge And Perception Of Hand Hygiene In Certified Nurse Assistants , Kathe Hypes

Barriers To Timely Administration Of Thrombolytics In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients , Elizabeth Joseph

Development And Evaluation Of An Instrument To Measure Mother-infant Togetherness After Childbirth , Carol Lawrence

Perceptions Influencing School Nurse Practices To Prevent Childhood Obesity , Susan Quelly

Front-line Registered Nurse Job Satisfaction And Predictors: A Meta-analysis From 1980 - 2009 , Deborah Anne Saber

Impact Of Cancer-specific Advance Care Planning On Anxiety, Decisional Conflict, And Surrogate Understanding Of Patient Treatment Preferences , Lynn Waser

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Duplicated Laboratory Tests : A Hospital Audit And Evaluation Of A Computerized Alert Intervention , Sharon Bridges

Exploring Women's Life Course Experiences With Weight Using Story Theory , Poff Allison Edmonds

Adherence Practices Of Caucasian Women With Hypertension Residing In Rural Florida An Exploratory Study , Jeanne M. Hopple

The Lived Experience Of Young-onset Dementia , Debra A. Hunt

Identifying Patients At Risk For Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Primary Health Care : Can Obesity In Combination With Other High-risk Diagnoses Be Used For Screening Purposes? , Clelia Lima

Clopidogrel Provision For Indigent Patients With St-elevation Myocardial Infarction , Sita S. Price

Comparative Retrospective Analysis Assessment Of Extracellular Volume Excess In Hypertensive Hemodialysis Patients , Amma Serwaah-Bonsu

Spirituality And Expectations Of Care Providers Of Older Patients With Chronic Illnes In North Central Florida , Myra Sherman

Factors Related To Birth Transition Success Of Late-preterm Infants , Karen L. Wright

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Experiences Of Health Care Providers Providing Comfort For Nursing Home Patients At The End Of Life , Herma Baker

Comparison Of Arnp And Physician Malpractice In States With And Without Controlled Substance Prescribing Authority , Deborah Chandler

A New Measure Of Parental Self-efficacy For Enacting Healthy Lifestyles In Their Children , Jonathan W. Decker

Effectiveness Of Probiotics In Preventing Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea And Clostridium Difficile In Long Term Care , Marva Edwards-Marshall

The Effect Of Combat Exercises On Cardiovascular Response: An Exploratory Study , MeLisa Gantt

The Impact Of Pre-operative Mupirocin Prophylaxis On Surgical Site Infections In Same-day Admission Open Heart Patients , Joanna Gerry

Evaluation Of A Simulation-enhanced Obstetric Clinical Experience On Learning Outcomes For Knowledge, Self-efficacy, And Transfer , Mary Elizabeth Guimond

The Incidence And Epidemiologic Factors Of Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin And Soft Tissue I , Ivonne Johnson

The Impact Of An Interdependent Conferencing Activity In An Online Rn-bsn Practicum Clinical Conference On Psychologocial Sense Of Community , Barbara Lange

Advanced Practice Nursing In The Faith Community Setting: A Case Study , Chianta Lindsey

Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Intraoperative Non-euglycemia Events In Premature Neonates >2500 Grams , Zulay Ritrosky

Retrospective Analysis Of Screening Patterns In Cirrhotic Patients With Heptocellular Carcinoma , Shelly-Ann Scott-Castell

A Phenomenological Description Of The Lived Experience Of Creating Art For Women With Breast Cancer , Laurie Stark

Assessing Adult Attitudes Toward End-of-life Issues And Advanced Directives After Implementing An Educational Intervention In A , Marchina Tolbert-Jones

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Cohort Study Of Pain Behaviors In The Elderly Residing In Skilled Nursing Care , Allison Burfield

Effects Of An Evidence-based Intervention On Stress And Coping Of Families Of Critically Ill Trauma Patients , Sandra Knapp

Awareness Of Increased Risk For Heart Disease And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus , Patricia Weinstein

Consumer Perspectives Of Health During Prenatal Care In The Usa And Iceland: An Exploratory Study , Claudia Wiseman

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

A Comparison Of Computer And Traditional Face-to-face Classroom Orientation For Beginning Critical Care Nurses , Patricia Anzalone

Health-care Seeking Behaviors Of Puerto Ricans With Diabetes Mellitus Who Live In South Florida: An Exploratory Study , Laura Gonzalez

Evaluation Of The Antecedents Of Cultural Competence , Mary Harper

The Impact Of A Nurse-driven Evidence-based Discharge Planning Protocol On Organizational Efficiency And Patient Satisfaction In , Tracey King

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Resiliency In Adolescent College Students , Nancy Ahern

The Impact Of Music On Postoperative Pain And Anxiety , Kelly Dixon Allred

Evaluation Of An Education Intervention For The Staff On The Head Of The Bed Elevation In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit , Randall Johnson

Quality Of Life In Older Breast Cancer Survivors , Victoria Loerzel

Evaluating Neonatal Facial Pain Expression: Is There A Primal Face Of Pain? , Martin Schiavenato

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

The Effect of Parent Education on Maternal Self-efficacy and Preference for Pain Control During Labor , Aubrey Willard

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Doctoral programmes in the nursing discipline: a scoping review

Beata dobrowolska.

1 Department of Holistic Care and Management in Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica Str. 4-6, Lublin, Poland

Paweł Chruściel

2 Department of Nursing Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica Str. 4-6, Lublin, Poland

Anna Pilewska-Kozak

3 Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica Str. 4-6, Lublin, Poland

Violetta Mianowana

Marta monist.

4 2nd Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8, Lublin, Poland

Alvisa Palese

5 Department of Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Viale Ungheria, 20, 33100 Udine, Italy

Associated Data

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

This study aimed to map and summarise the state of the research regarding doctoral programs in nursing, as well as the issues debated in the context of nursing doctoral education. A Scoping Review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension scoping reviews statement (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. Three electronic bibliographic data bases were searched: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Complete, Medline (on EBSCO Host) and SCOPUS to identify empirical studies published between January 2009 and December 2019. The review process was based on framework identified by Arksey and O’Malley and further revised by Levac and colleagues. Analysis was performed with the use of the Donabedian framework regarding the structure of the doctorate programmes, the process, and the outcomes.

The review included 41 articles, mostly originating in the United States ( n =26) and Europe ( n =8), mainly by collecting the perceptions of students and faculty members with descriptive studies. The following issues were investigated at the (a) structure level: Prerequisite for doctoral candidates , Qualifications of faculty members , Mission of doctoral programs ; (b) process level: Doctoral programs contents, Doctoral programs resources and quality, Mentoring and supervision, Doing doctorate abroad ; and (c) outcome level: Academic performance outcomes in doctoral programs, Doctoral graduates’ competences, Doctoral students/graduates’ satisfaction, Doctoral graduates’ challenges.

Conclusions

Doctoral programs have mainly been investigated to date with descriptive studies, suggesting more robust research investigating the effectiveness of strategies to prepare future scientists in the nursing discipline. Doctorates are different across countries, and there is no visible cooperation of scholars internationally; their structure and processes have been reported to be stable over the years, thus not following the research development in nursing, discipline and practice expectations. Moreover, no clear framework of outcomes in the short- and long-term have been established to date to measure the quality and effectiveness of doctorate education. National and global strategies might establish common structure, process and outcome frameworks, as well as promote robust studies that are capable of assessing the effectiveness of this field of education.

The doctoral education of nurses has been reported across the world to follow different traditions; as it was not previously possible to obtain a doctorate in the nursing discipline, nurses have been doctoral-educated in disciplines other than nursing [ 1 ]. In some countries, such as the United States (US), nurses have been allowed to obtain a doctorate in education since the early 20th century [ 1 – 3 ]; however, doctoral programmes were reported to become nursing-oriented in the 1970 s [ 4 ]. In other countries, for example Nordic ones, nursing doctoral programs started to operate a few decades later [ 5 ], while in others, for example Slovenia, this was just a couple of years ago, also as an effect of Bologna Process across Europe re-designing the educational cycles [ 6 , 7 ]. There is no doubt that doctoral-prepared nurses performing research are crucial [ 8 , 9 ] and they are required to have an effective scientific education [ 7 , 10 , 11 ].

In recent years, doctoral education in nursing has gained increased attention; a growing number of nurses have been reported to be engaged in doctoral studies [ 3 , 5 , 11 , 12 ] due to the need for high quality clinical nursing practice, nursing education and science [ 13 , 14 ]. Nevertheless, the trend of ageing of faculty nurses and their shortage has been debated for over 40 years [ 15 – 17 ] and different options have been discussed to increase the number of doctoral-educated nurses [ 15 , 16 , 18 ].

Moreover, different roles of doctoral-educated nurses have been documented in academia and in clinical settings [ 19 ] and challenges regarding competition in the ‘scientific market’ have been underlined, suggesting that the nursing discipline must be strengthened and recognised in high quality publications [ 9 ]. Therefore, while nurses with a doctorate are expected to be engaged in research projects [ 8 ], they are also expected to improve the quality of nursing care by changing the education and practice; thus, they are facing multiple expectations [ 19 , 20 ]. As a consequence, nursing scholars and leaders are looking for options to develop doctoral studies into the most effective way.

In this context, many primary studies have been published to date (e.g. [ 10 , 12 , 19 , 21 ]). However, the available studies have never been summarised in an accessible document that could inform future actions regarding the development of doctoral programmes. Therefore, summarising the state of the art of the research in this field, as well as the issues debated in the context of nursing doctoral education, are the main aims of this scoping review.

An overview of doctoral education in nursing

There are many different nursing doctoral programs across the world, with different solutions regarding titles, the curriculum, competences and career possibilities. Even within a single country, these programs are different and, as highlighted by McKenna et al. [ 7 ], most of them have not included any cross-country collaboration regarding research lines and the curricula. In several countries, for example the US and the UK, two doctorate profiles have been established: the Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP), defined as a clinical or professional doctorate, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), defined as a research doctorate. They have different aims regarding the discipline and practice development: a PhD is research-focused, whereas a DNP is focused on preparing future clinical leaders by guiding evidence-based nursing practice; in the US, it is required as an entry level for advanced nursing practice (ANP) [ 20 , 22 – 26 ]. Discussions regarding what competences these programmes should ensure and what paradigm should be established when educating nurses on doctoral studies are still open [ 20 ]. Moreover, the development of collaborations between these two traditions of education has been underlined with the intent to promote the quality of care [ 27 , 28 ].

Even though the number of doctoral-prepared nurses is increasing, difficulties in recruiting nurses to doctoral programs have been documented [ 29 ]. Firstly, nurses are more attracted to gaining clinical experience and becoming faculty members later; additionally, there are some barriers to entry into doctoral education, for example heavy nursing care workloads, high competition, and modest salaries. Moreover, other barriers are also set in the following stage, with regard to being recruited and remaining in the faculty: despite the great demand for nurses in the faculty, those who are already appointed have been reported to have high burnout and an intention to leave the position [ 30 , 31 ], as well as due to the excessive pressure regarding publications, projects, and grants [ 17 ]. Additionally, while some countries have established the requirement that nursing departments must recruit staff with a research-doctorate (e.g., the US, Australia, China, South-East Asia), others, such as the UK, are still in continuing transition, employing nurses at the university level, without PhDs, and some are even employed without master’s level qualifications [ 32 ].

Different innovations have been discussed in order to prevent the lack of nursing scholars, such as establishing new pathways to obtain doctorates, allowing new graduates to access the doctorate programme directly after the BNS (Bachelor in Nursing Science) or a pre-baccalaureate to the PhD programme with individually tailored curricula [ 16 , 18 , 33 ]. Even though this option is criticised by some academics because of a lack of clinical experience before entry to doctoral programs [ 18 ], such candidates are young and may have a longer career as researchers, which is important when considering predictions regarding retirement trends among the faculty [ 18 ].

In addition to the above-mentioned factors, some researchers (e.g. Mckenna et al. [ 7 ]) also discussed the quality of doctoral programs. An urgent need to change these programs to support the advancement of nursing science has been stated [ 10 ]. Moreover, the need to enrich nursing doctorate education with knowledge of other disciplines, e.g., humanistic, social or biological sciences [ 34 , 35 ], as well as in quantitative methods [ 8 ], have been solicited. Given that research findings must be published to inform developments of the nursing discipline, different methods are under discussion regarding the dissemination of doctoral dissertations [ 36 ] and increased popularity has been achieved by using the manuscript dissertation format [ 37 ].

The post-doctorate programme is also debated: McNelis et al. [ 12 ] reported that nursing doctoral students have not been prepared for the academic role, specifically for teaching; while Bullin [ 19 ] also added considered their competences in implementing innovative methods in education, suggesting that they require additional preparation though a revision of the curriculum [ 12 ]. Moreover, the roles of doctoral-prepared nurses in clinical settings are also discussed. Andreassen and Christensen [ 38 ] highlighted that those nurses holding a doctorate should change their practice, functioning as a leader in incorporating the evidence in the clinical field. However, experienced clinical nurses with doctorates have been documented to encounter several challenges when they start working in academia [ 17 ] suggesting that a clear career strategy should be developed for those willing to stay in a clinical setting.

A scoping review has been performed by following the available frameworks [ 39 , 40 ] in the following steps: (1) research question identification; (2) relevant studies identification; (3) studies selection; (4) data charting; and (5) results collation, summary and report. Specifically, methods and findings have been reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension-Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement [ 41 ].

Research questions

The following research questions were addressed: (a) What is the state of the research in the nursing field regarding the doctorate programmes, and (b) what are the main issues debated to date in the available literature?

Studies identification

A comprehensive electronic database literature search was conducted in January 2020. The Boolean operator AND was used with combinations of search terms including the following: PhD/doctorate in nursing, competence and career pathways. The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, Medline (on EBSCO Host), and SCOPUS were searched to identify articles published between January 2009 and December 2019. This period was chosen considering two main reasons: (a) the availability of a previous review regarding doctoral nursing students’ persistence and the challenges faced by them, covering sources published between 1985 and 2011 [ 42 ], and (b) the Bologna Process regulating education cycles across Europe that has reached its 20 year anniversary in 2019: specifically, 2010 was the year which was established as the aim of European Higher Education Area development [ 6 ].

Articles written in English, peer-reviewed, with an available abstract, and reporting both primary (qualitative, quantitative and mix-methods), and secondary (systematic reviews and meta-analysis) data were included. A total of 1412 records were identified; after screening and eligibility analysis, 41 articles were deemed eligible (Fig.  1 ). Therefore, articles not meeting these criteria and those focused only on problems and the situation of faculty members with a doctorate (e.g. [ 31 ]), were not included.

Flow diagram search and selection process of scoping review [ 41 , 62 ].

At the first level, titles and abstracts were screened by two researchers independently and then the findings were discussed. In the second phase, the eligible studies were evaluated through full texts in an independent fashion by two researchers; when these satisfied the inclusion criteria and the researchers agreed, the study was included. In cases of disagreement, other researchers engaged in the analysis were contacted, and when agreement was reached the study was included or excluded.

Data charting

The following data expressing the characteristics of studies were extracted from each included study: (1) author(s); (2) publication year; (3) country; (4) study aim(s); (5) method(s) and research design; (6) participants (when available); and (7) main findings relevant to the aim of our study. The grid was piloted among five studies and then used for all included articles. Two authors independently assessed and extracted the data and agreed upon the findings. Discrepancies were discussed with other researchers.

Results collation, summary and report

In line with the two-fold research questions, the included studies were considered analytically according to their main features: first, the main characteristics of the studies were summarised, and then, with regards to the second aim, issues were categorised according to the Donabedian [ 43 ] framework for issues regarding the structure of the doctorate programmes, the process, and the outcomes. Under the structure component, we categorised the prerequisite for doctoral candidates, their motivation, the qualifications of the faculty members, the organisation of the doctoral programs, and the mission of the programme. Under the Process component, we included doctoral programme implementation, strategies and methods used in education, and interactions between the faculty, the doctoral students, and other stakeholders. Under the outcomes component, the results of doctoral programs documented at different levels (e.g., doctoral graduates, nursing as a discipline, doctoral students) were categorised. In some cases, difficulties were found in categorisation, as overlap exists between the three main categories. Two researchers categorised the main findings according to the Donabedian model [ 43 ] and other researchers resolved inconsistencies. At each stage of the analysis, considering the Donabedian model, differences between doctoral programs, if any, were highlighted and reported.

What is the state of the research in the nursing field regarding the doctorate programmes?

As reported in Table  1 , the included articles mainly represent four continents: North America ( n =27) [ 2 , 3 , 8 , 10 – 13 , 15 – 20 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 44 , 49 – 54 ]; Europe ( n =8). [ 5 , 7 , 24 , 25 , 35 , 38 , 48 , 57 ], Asia ( n =4) [ 14 , 46 , 47 , 55 ], and Australia [ 21 ]. Two are multi-country studies [ 5 , 45 ], and most studies originated in the USA ( n =26; [ 2 , 3 , 8 , 10 – 13 , 15 – 18 , 20 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 44 , 49 – 54 ]). Most of the studies were published in the last 6 years ( n =28; [ 3 , 5 , 8 , 10 – 17 , 19 – 21 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 33 , 35 – 38 , 45 , 48 , 54 – 57 ], with 11 in 2019 [ 3 , 5 , 11 , 12 , 17 , 20 , 27 , 35 , 36 , 56 , 57 ].

Characteristics of the included studies

The majority of studies used a quantitative approach ( n =20; [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 10 , 11 , 13 – 15 , 18 , 30 , 35 , 37 , 44 , 45 , 49 , 50 , 52 – 54 ]), while others applied a qualitative ( n =15; [ 12 , 17 , 20 , 24 , 25 , 28 , 33 , 35 , 38 , 46 , 47 , 51 , 55 – 57 ]) or mix-methods design ( n =3; [ 8 , 16 , 21 ]). Only one integrative review emerged [ 19 ] along with two case analyses ( n =2; [ 27 , 48 ]).

Most of the studies referred to PhD programmes ( n =22) [ 5 , 8 , 10 , 11 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 21 , 30 , 33 , 35 – 38 , 47 – 49 , 51 , 53 , 55 , 57 ], with DNP analysed in 5 cases [ 2 , 25 , 44 , 50 , 56 ], while both programs were tackled in nine studies [ 3 , 12 , 13 , 15 , 17 , 20 , 27 , 28 , 54 ]; in addition, some articles have shown research regarding doctoral programs without specifying its kind ( n =5) [ 7 , 24 , 45 , 46 , 52 ]. The majority ( n =35) of studies investigated the experience and expectations of students/faculty members/directors of doctoral programmes and deans, ANPs with PhDs by involving between three [ 48 ] and 1,668 participants [ 45 ], with a total of 7,159 participants in all 35 studies. Of the remaining, three studies have analysed doctoral programmes (with the number of programmes analysed from 56 to 120, e.g. [ 10 , 37 , 49 ], the thesis produced ( n =61, [ 35 ]), examples of collaboration ( n =4, [ 27 ]) and studies published regarding PhD requirements ( n =139, [ 19 ])).

What are the main issues debated in the available literature to date?

Structure level: (1) prerequisite for doctoral candidates.

Two main issues emerged: regarding the admission criteria of doctoral programs and the doctoral candidates’ criteria/motivations for choosing the programme. Admission criteria for doctoral candidates have been documented as different: for example, Squires et al. [ 18 ], in the case of direct entry PhD programs from a bachelor’s degree, reported a requirement of at least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse. The number of required clinical hours before the admission to the DNP has been documented to range between 0 and 1,000 [ 44 ]. Specifically, DNP programs do not require additional practice hours for supplementing previous master’s-level supervised clinical hours. However, 20 % of programs reported having a separate clinical course, 26 % reported an end-of-programme practice immersion experience, and 38 % required both a supplemental and end-of-programme immersion experience [ 44 ].

In the study conducted by Squires et al. [ 18 ] for direct entry PhD programs from a bachelor’s degree, a graduate level statistics course, an admission interview, and the Grade Point Averages (GPA) were also reported. Megginson [ 49 ] investigated the admission criteria in PhD nursing programs and documented that the GPA was required in 100 % of cases, set-up mostly at 3.0 as a minimum; moreover, 82 % of analysed US programs also considered the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores during the admission decision. Furthermore, one or more examples of writing (e.g., the scholarly project), a letter of recommendation (by a Professor), the applicants’ interviews and the research line matching that of the faculty have been also reported.

On the side of the candidates, the decision to enter a doctoral programme (both PhD and DNP) has been underlined as being affected by financial aspects and funding availability [ 15 , 16 ]. Specifically, three aspects have been reported as crucial [ 15 ]: (a) paying for education, (b) returning investments in the future, and (c) impacting future salary. When choosing the programme, respondents have been documented to consider what would best fit to their busy life [e.g., a hybrid form of education with online courses], but also the time available and that requested [e.g., for degree completion – which has been reported to be more important in the case of DNP than PhD]. Time has been considered as one of the three main barriers identified for bachelor/master/DNP students to start a PhD [ 18 ]. The other two barriers are costs and the issue of experience, as students want to gain clinical experience before entering the programme. However, 69 % of students sampled indicated that they would consider a PhD directly after their current programme of study [ 18 ].

Choosing a professional doctorate or not has been reported to be influenced by the information available to the potential candidates; students chose a PhD as they were not aware of the DNP [ 24 ]. According to a study performed in China [ 14 ], the majority of PhD students have been reported to pursue a doctorate according to their career plan (73 %) and to improve their research abilities (53.9 %). Science passion and motivation to work for nursing discipline development, and through science for the improvement of quality of life, was also reported among BNS/BS–PhD students. However, their challenge was the lack of experience in clinical practice. This has been reported as the nursing identity threat mostly due to the opinions of “older” nurses, and also challenged their future career prospects in case they were not productive as scientists. Moreover, their life is challenged because they are the youngest students in doctoral programs and are also dealing with financial and family responsibilities [ 33 ].

Structure level: (2) Qualifications of faculty members

The profile of faculty teaching in DNP and PhD programs has been documented as different [ 13 ]. Those staff who teach DNP students are more likely to have DNP degrees and be engaged in clinical practice, whereas lecturers with a PhD usually teach PhD students and are more likely to be engaged in research activities with students while mentoring research and supervising doctoral candidates or postdoctoral fellows. However, in a study among the deans of those nursing schools offering DNPs, only one of the 33 institutions with previous PhD and DNP students reported no faculty overlap [ 50 ].

Structure level: (3) Mission of doctoral programs

McKenna et al. [ 7 ] documented that staff members are more likely than students to agree that the emphasis of the doctoral curriculum should be consistent with the mission of the university and the discipline of nursing. Considering the growing popularity of DNP programs, e.g., in the US, divisions between PhD and DNP have been documented to be at need of discussion regarding further development and the aim of these programs [ 20 ]. Staffileno et al. [ 28 ] reported that DNP and PhD students have difficulties cooperating due to different ‘languages’ and the challenges involved in understanding the role of this new degree. However, the importance of promoting collaboration between PhD and DNP students has been underlined, and it is often an issue associated with the personal characteristics of individuals involved rather than an issue related to the type of degree. Specifically, PhD and DNP students can collaborate within the course and as graduates, e.g., DNP students have a clinical perspective, so they know the correct research question to ask, whereas PhD students have methodological knowledge and know how to ask questions. Moreover, PhD students/graduates may help DNPs to get financial support and grants when they experience difficulties, and they can mentor DNP in their scientific work [ 28 ]. In the context of cooperation between academia and clinical practice, Cygan and Reed [ 27 ] have provided an example where academia nurses and clinical nurses shared the complementary skills that they have in order to prepare projects to be scientifically and practically relevant.

Process level (1) Doctoral programs contents

There is a plethora of different subjects in nursing doctoral programs: in a US study regarding research-focused doctoral programs, all of those under investigation included statistics/quantitative design, philosophy/theory development and qualitative methods. However, only 55 % of programs showed evidence of including a nursing inquiry [ 10 ]. According to Minnick et al. [ 50 ], around 81 % of DNP programs in the US have been reported to require research courses, 79 % require clinical practice, with more BNS-DNP than MSN (Master’s degree)-DNP programs, and only 5 % require teaching practice. Regarding other issues related to doctoral student qualifications, 43.3 % of programs included research ethics, 55.8 % education/teaching, 50 % policy and 36.7 % leadership contents. A little difference between programs from 30 years ago, and those available at the time of the study have emerged, also suggesting that programs do not respond to research priorities [ 10 ].

Students have been reported to assess doctoral programs different to the faculty. In McKenna et al. [ 7 ], staff members reported that each student had relevant ethical training in preparation for undertaking research, and that they had provided students with diverse and challenging learning experiences (e.g., social, ethical, cultural, economic and political issues related to nursing, health care and research). On their part, students have reported disagreement with such statements.

Nursing PhD students have been reported to need more practice secondary data for analysis using large data sets, biomedical informatics data interpretation, and an understanding of applied machine learning algorithms. They also required more in-depth statistical courses [ 8 ]. Additionally, PhD students have highlighted that learning scholarly writing is more effective when you have someone to explain it (expert-faculty to guide) and when the support system in this scope is established [ 51 ].

Process level (2) Doctoral programs resources and quality

Having research support for students has been highlighted as important for doctoral education. In a US study, among the deans of nursing schools offering a doctoral degree, 75 % have reported offering a research office to increase the amount of external funding, to promote scholarly work including publications, and collaboration with other disciplines. In this line, grant development, assembly, budget development, research seminars and statistical consultation were the most activities performed by the office [ 52 ].

However, the resources and quality of the doctoral programmes are not always perceived homogeneously from the side of the faculty and the students. In a study involving seven countries, both faculty and students/graduates have rated the overall quality of nursing doctoral education as good to excellent. The highest average score was reported for the faculty domain. In all countries surveyed, the faculty assessed the quality higher than students/graduates in three out of four domains (namely: programme, faculty and evaluation) [ 45 ]. In contrast, in a single country study involving UK doctoral students and faculty, students assessed the quality of doctoral programs higher than faculty members. However, students did not agree that the environment and resources available, such as financial support, time allocated by staff to support students, and level of the technical support, were of an appropriate quality [ 7 ].

Strengths and weaknesses in the quality of doctorate programmes have been documented in a Korean study where the strengths included faculty research productivity, the application of new research methods, students’ diverse backgrounds and interdisciplinary courses. Among the weaknesses were the aging faculty, decreased number of candidates for doctoral study, and a lack of funding support for research [ 46 ].

In addition to the above-mentioned aspects of quality, doctoral programme quality indicators have also been reported in the doctoral comprehensive/qualifying examinations. Mawn and Goldberg [ 53 ] investigated research-focused doctoral programs, and reported different methods for such examination, ranging from the written take-home test to a written publishable paper with follow-up oral defence of the paper.

Process level (3) Mentoring and supervision

According to some authors [ 3 , 16 , 21 ], mentoring is very important in directing research during a doctoral programme (both PhD and DNP). Mentoring relationships have mostly been focused on the pursuit of scientific inquiry, the transfer of knowledge, facilitating research activities and developing research partnerships [ 19 ]. However, there are different expectations when mentoring doctoral students according to the degree programme. In the case of PhD students, faculty mentors are expected to hold a PhD, be engaged in research, publish articles, and have an overall scientific portfolio. In the case of DNP students, faculty mentors must hold a doctoral degree (DNP or PhD), be active clinical practitioners (e.g., ANPs) and have experience as a mentor in specific topics such as quality improvement and patient safety [ 3 ]. However, in a UK study, it was found that supervisors did not distinguish between the needs of professional doctorates and PhD students and reported the same expectations regarding research [ 25 ].

To be effective, mentors of doctoral students should be trained; also, the number of students allocated to a single mentor is important, as is the time available and the students’ readiness for a degree [ 3 ]. Moreover, students’ readiness for a career has been documented as being greater when they have one or more mentor/advisor [ 11 ].

PhD students highlighted the importance of good supervision when doing doctorates, and most reported positive comments about their supervisors [ 21 ]. In the study by Lee [ 25 ], students of a professional doctorate programme have been reported to welcome a supervisor with a different background, who could develop their knowledge and skills and add new dimensions to their research, while supervisors were more likely to want to match their background with that of the students. From the perspective of supervisors, critical thinking, independence and autonomy in the supervision process have been highlighted, whereas students wanted help and support to further develop their critical thinking and writing skills. Students see supervision as a mutual relationship with mutual learning. Also, they wanted to use their practical expertise together with doctoral studies in order to generate knowledge for application in practice, rather than to only learn how to apply other evidence [ 25 ]. Moreover, PhD students reported positive experiences regarding the timing of feedback received from their supervisors, but they reported that this feedback was not always helpful and was often accompanied by conflicting expectations [ 21 ]. In a study of PhD and DNP students, stressors which significantly predicted students’ leaving the programme were primarily related to the relationship with the faculty/advisor [ 54 ].

Process level (4) Doing doctorate abroad

Doing a doctorate abroad has been documented as promoting learning independence and increasing the understanding of cultural differences [ 47 ]. Moreover, in a qualitative study of 17 students representing nine different countries from six different UK universities, the majority ( n =13) reported expecting greater focus on professional issues within their programme and were surprised at the almost exclusive emphasis on research. They expected to have more clinical training. Additionally, respondents highlighted the need to adapt to the self-directed autonomous nature of learning at a doctoral level, which was very difficult, as also reported previously [ 47 ].

Many foreign students noted that their educational backgrounds trained them to describe and replicate knowledge rather than create it. However, students have stated that it was good to find their own voice and articulate their own ideas [ 24 ]. Additionally, they indicated the enormous challenge of studying in English. When abroad, students described a strong need for support through supervisors, interactions with the department/institution and relationships with other students and wider social networks. Supervision has been reported to be different to that in students’ countries; they were supposed to be more independent in their work, and not told what to do, but supervisors were both approachable and friendly [ 24 ].

Struggling with loneliness, isolation and the cost of living in the UK have been also underlined. Most participants carried the weight of high expectations from their family, colleagues and sponsors on their shoulders, which, in some cases, clearly led to chronic anxiety about whether they would succeed [ 24 ].

Outcome levels (1) Academic performance outcomes in doctoral programs

Six common academic performance outcomes in nursing PhD programs have been identified to date: comprehensive examination (80 %), ongoing minimum graduate GPA (79 %) of 3.0, formal dissertation (82 %): chapter format (77 %); time to degree attainment (71 %); degree attainment (71 %); and time to candidacy (63 %) [ 49 ]. PhD programmes mostly end with a dissertation, while quality improvement projects and the translation of evidence-based practice have mostly been reported for DNPs [ 3 ].

With regards to the content of the thesis, Jensen [ 35 ] discovered that a few have been developed upon a nursing theory, whereas the majority of PhD graduates employed a traditional format for their dissertation, and over 40 % of them never published their dissertation findings in peer-reviewed journals [ 36 ]. In a study of 79 PhD programs in the US, 84 % offered the traditional format for dissertation and 71 % the manuscript option format, while 59 % offered both. The manuscript/publication format has been chosen as it may increase the transition of student nurse scholars to academic positions and provide preparation for the role. However, students with no academic writing skills are challenged; moreover, there is no agreement regarding the number of manuscripts and their status, and whether it should be already published, submitted or reviewed [ 37 ].

Regarding the doctorate duration, students who enter PhD programs as undergraduates have been reported to need less time cumulatively to finish a doctorate compared to those entering after a Master’s. However, on average, undergraduate students take longer to complete a PhD (from 5.2 to 5.9 years) in comparison to those who start a PhD after a Master’s education (from 5 to 5.1 years) [ 16 , 30 ]. With regards to the DNP, the average length of time for students to finish the MSN-DNP programme was 2.43 years, whilst BSN-DNP was 3.8 years [ 50 ]. Time for degree completion was more important for DNP than PhD students; family and job obligations interfered with studying and writing [ 15 ].

Outcome levels (2) Doctoral graduates’ competences

Findings from PhD and DNP students and recent graduates have reported a lack of preparation for faculty roles, specifically for teaching [ 12 ], as also reported by Nehls et al. [ 16 ] in PhD students with different entry paths. Graduates with a PhD have become both a required and preferred option for teaching positions in many universities; given that teaching generally occupies the majority of the faculty’s time, they have been reported to be inadequately prepared according to the priority given to research [ 19 ].

Despite these issues, Fang et al. [ 30 ] reported that the majority of PhD students at the end of the programme plan their academic career in teaching more than in research due to the interest in teaching and the perceived contribution of research to patient care. Interestingly, nearly half of students surveyed who had non-academic career plans at the beginning of the programme changed their mind during the doctoral study. Similar findings were documented by Bai et al. [ 14 ], who found that 60.7 % of PhD students want to work in an educational institution, especially reputable universities. Their desired field of work was nursing education in the majority (75.3 %) and the clinical setting in only a few (16.9 %).

In contrast, PhD students who entered a doctoral programme via an early entry pathway, such as pre-baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate, have been reported to more often choose a research career [ 16 ]. However, they have also noted concerns regarding their clinical competences [ 55 ]. In this context, PhD education has been recommended to develop their clinical competences in order to prepare them to provide the clinical educator role.

Moreover, some DNP graduates have been reported to come back to the doctoral programme to do a PhD [ 56 ]. Their decision was mostly motivated by wanting to know more, especially regarding translating research into practice and implementing research findings, but also with the social tension of not having skills or competences to apply for specific roles at the faculty level.

Outcome levels (3) Doctoral students/graduates’ satisfaction

Doctoral education has been reported to be worth the time commitment and the money invested; PhD students and graduates, more than their DNP colleagues, have been documented to believe that doctoral programs prepared them extremely well for research activity and faculty roles [ 15 ].

Outcome levels (4) Doctoral graduates challenges

In a qualitative study among the PhD and DNP-prepared faculty on tenure track in academia [ 17 ], the importance of the development of meaningful partnerships and continuity was reported. Also, the need to balance responsibilities was documented, as was having time for research, publications, and the management of administrative requests. Both PhD and DNP staff on the tenure track have reported hostile treatment and criticism by senior faculty members; however, ‘degree shaming’ has been reported more often by DNP staff. Despite this, many staff on the tenure track have also reported being valued and appreciated. Additionally, they showed the need to be mentored, supported and coached, specifically in more advanced research.

In Nicholes and Dyer [ 24 ], 61.3 % of the DNP faculty were eligible for tenure. However, there is a concern that they are not trained well enough for the research activity, which may influence the development of the nursing discipline.

In the case of PhD nurses who are APNs working in a clinical environment, even though they undertake several important roles for nursing practice development (such as clinical inquiry, research skills and changing practice), they have encountered challenges with integrating themselves into the team without the support of nursing leaders [ 48 ]. According to Orton et al. [ 57 ], RNs with a PhD in the clinical environment also experience challenges: they have been reported to want to change practice, but in doing this, they must face barriers. They have admitted that their motivation to lead the evidence-base practice is strong, but doing their own research was difficult, mostly because of the lack of time. They have often been assigned to the clinical education of nursing students, or to assist colleagues in developing knowledge and skills. Therefore, further role clarity is needed in clinical settings. Similar findings have been reported by Sørensen et al. [ 54 ] who surveyed nurses with PhDs working in Nordic university hospitals. They reported sharing their work time between research, teaching, supervision and administration given that the majority of them held positions shared between the university and the hospital. Moreover, Andreassen and Christensen [ 38 ] underlined the fact that nurses with a PhD working in clinical areas are seen by their colleagues and by themselves as those who implement research results into practice. They are seen as a resource of health care institutions; however, their position in clinical settings is uncertain.

We have performed a Scoping Review with the aim of assessing the state of the art and issues regarding doctoral programs of nurses. A significant number of studies have emerged in the last 10 years, mainly in the US and Europe, with a few examples of international approaches [ 5 , 45 ] suggesting an impulse in this direction. Moreover, studies are mainly quantitative and qualitative, where the experiences/expectations of students, doctorates and faculty members, as different groups (e.g. [ 3 ]) or integrated (e.g. [ 55 ]), have mainly been investigated. Therefore, the available evidence is mainly descriptive of different aspects of education, highlighting that more longitudinal or experimental [ 1 ] studies are needed in this field of research to investigate the effects of this education as well as its changes, in the long-term, from different points of view, including that of students, doctors and faculty members.

At the structural level of doctoral programs, a great variability of admission criteria has been documented to date, some regarding the academic preparation or potentialities (e.g., GPA, GRE, writing essay, [ 49 ]), and others regarding the attitudes and competences as either actual or potential, as certified with a letter of recommendation. An ample debate has also emerged regarding solutions concerning the minimum requirements of clinical hours for younger candidates (e.g. [ 44 ]), approaching doctoral studies in the short-term. Some data have already been produced regarding early undergraduate entry in a PhD programme on good research productivity, research career interests and longer time productivity for the nursing discipline [ 16 ]. However, the experiences available are mainly descriptive, and there are calls to conduct studies investigating predictors of doctoral programme success regarding all of these aspects with the intent to inform the best decisions regarding the establishment of a common framework of admission criteria that might be useful, especially for transnational doctoral programmes. On the side of candidates/students, issues associated with the financial implication both in the short- (fees) and long-term (e.g., the impact of future salary) should be considered in those countries where a limited number of doctoral-prepared nurses are available. Issues regarding the preparation of the faculty have been less well-investigated to date [ 13 ], while emphasis has been placed regarding the mission of doctoral education, not only concerning the differences between PhD and DNP programmes but also regarding their collaboration with the practice. The aspect of cooperation between graduates of these two programmes are also highlighted by position papers published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing [ 22 , 23 ].

With regards to process dimensions, a regular upgrading of the programme contents [ 10 ] as well as in the modalities of the final examination [ 53 ] are recommended, given that studies have reported some form of stability over the years [ 10 ], while these programmes are required to respond to emerging research priorities, innovations in methodologies and competence, as underlined by the American and Canadian organisations working for nursing science excellence [ 22 , 59 , 60 ]. Additionally, the majority of studies available have reported a difference in the perceptions of doctoral programme quality between the faculty and students, with high values among the first (e.g. [ 7 , 8 ]): in a student-centred approach, understanding this gap and promoting improvements is recommended as a strategy to align the programme delivered to the expectations of attendees. Moreover, the quality of a doctoral programme is also enhanced by the research unit/centres and support offered to students – suggesting therefore that each doctorate programme should be equipped by the resources established at the academic level – thus allowing students to access not only traditional resources (faculty members, supervisors, and librarian) but also a centre devoted to supporting research. Special equipment should be ensured in those doctoral programmes hosting foreign students which have been documented to have additional needs requiring appropriate support (e.g. [ 24 , 47 ]).

A good relationship of PhD students with their supervisors is important for programme completion, as well as for growing as a person and a scientist. To date, different dimensions have been debated in the supervisor’s preparation, background, number of students to supervise, and number of mentors for each student (e.g. [ 11 , 25 ]), leaving the supervision process still under-researched [ 24 ]. Moreover, available studies seem to have considered singular elements of the process rather than the quality of the entire academic environment as being capable or not of promoting excellence in doctorate education. This is visible in the position statement launched by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing [ 22 ], as well as in the Quality Standards for Canadian Doctoral Education in Nursing, which underlines that the criteria required for excellence in PhD education include: active faculty researchers who would be capable of mentoring PhD students in research and helping with socialisation that is important in the competitive context; and opportunities for the active engagement of doctoral students in a scholarly environment with recognition of their contribution in the discipline development [ 59 ].

Finally, regarding outcomes, there has been no clear set of indicators established to date as doctoral programme outputs. A set of agreed outcomes measuring both the process (e.g., PhD/DNP duration) and end points (e.g., publications) in the short- and long-term (career achievements) in addition to the degree of satisfaction [ 15 ] are encouraged. All of these might support evaluation of the effectiveness of improvements – also at the international levels. Career plan expectations have been reported to change over the years and are different: in the clinical arena for DNP, and in teaching for PhD, as well as early entry [ 30 ]. The problems documented in the literature suggest that at least elective courses should be promoted to improve teaching and clinical competences. However, challenges have been underlined in the following career, not only due to the lack of some competences, but also due to entering a hostile academic environment [ 17 ] and in clinical practice where the support of leaders is crucial [ 48 ]. A wider career preparation should be an important element of doctoral programs from the initial stages [ 37 ]; also, in this case, more studies are required to understand factors promoting and hindering success in the transition from the student’s role to a doctorate position, both in the academic and clinical arenas, in order to design effective strategies. These strategies have also been underlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and other stakeholders [ 22 , 60 ]. Most doctoral students have reported the plan to work in educational institutions, but not many PhD graduates in clinical settings [ 14 ]; therefore, there is a need to prepare students for faculty roles without neglecting the clinical area [ 15 ].

In terms of roles, establishing the DNP has been recognised as a step forward in developing clinical nursing practice, as the number of nurses with a DNP is increasing rapidly. However, as numbers of PhD nurses decrease, it can be seen as a threat regarding the development of science in nursing as PhD candidates decrease, and they are seen as future scientific scholars [ 1 , 58 ]. Moreover, degree confusion may be observed across the world considering that DNP is popular in only a few countries, mostly in the US [ 26 ].

This Scoping Review has several limitations. Firstly, only three databases were searched, with inclusion criteria limited to only publications in English; moreover, despite the systematic method used, some papers might have been missed. In addition, no grey literature has been searched, as more emphasis was placed on peer-reviewed primary studies published up to January 2020, thus missing publications which were more recent (e.g. [ 61 ]). Additionally, review/conceptual papers were also not included, so this is recommended for future analyses, as the discussion among scholars in this regard is lively e.g., [ 1 , 4 , 58 ]. When analysing the included studies, any differences have been introduced between PhD and DNP programmes that have been considered together according to the main aim of the study, while differences, if any, have been highlighted when reporting findings. Moreover, we used the Donabedian framework [ 43 ] to organise the study findings, given their ample variety. However, our study did not intend to assess the quality of doctoral programmes in their triad of structure, process and outcome dimensions.

Doctoral education is expected to bring very complex outcomes – to prepare graduates as experts in the discipline, education, research, clinical practice, leadership, and policy-makers. Considering studies published in the last 10 years, deep discussion regarding doctoral programs for nurses is being provided by scholars and nursing leaders in the US and in Europe. Doctoral programs are different across countries, with no visible cooperation of scholars internationally; their structure and content has been reported as stable over the years, thus not following the research development in nursing, discipline and practice expectations.

Reflecting on the mission of the doctoral programmes, which will help to prepare future scientists equipped with strong competences in research methodology, there is a need to move the research produced from descriptive to more robust approaches that are capable of intercepting the effects of this education in their different features in the short- and long-term, in order to inform the establishment of evidence-based doctoral education pathways across the world.

Studies investigating predictors of success informing an evidence-based approach regarding the admission criteria, as well as regarding other process elements (e.g., the quality of the programme, the quality of the supervision) are recommended. Alongside the investigation of singular elements, scaling up the perspective by considering the quality of the entire academic environment as capable or not of promoting excellence in doctorate education is strongly suggested given the acknowledged importance of the environments on the learning process.

Doctorates in nursing should be equipped with appropriate resources and should embody an appropriate degree of continuing innovation in their programmes, as well as rigours evaluating outcomes in the short- and long-term. In this light, national and global strategies might be useful to ensure consistency and enhance the quality of the programmes and resources for doctoral education in nursing, as well as to link them to a university career plan. Government agencies should support the establishment of doctorate education; international professional organisations (e.g., the International Network for Doctoral Education in Nursing, International Council of Nurses; the Theta Tau International; European Academy of Nursing Science) might play a pivotal role by proposing doctorate frameworks [ 45 ]. It may be useful specifically for those countries which start with their doctoral programs in nursing or those who just plan to open it. However, career advancement, both with regards to clinical and academic roles, should be monitored in order to understand the implied factors and wastes in this context in order to prevent overeducated nurses not engaging in roles according to their competences.

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations, authors’ contributions.

BD, PCh, AP-K, VM, MM, AP - Have made substantial contributions to conception and design, or acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data. BD, PCh, AP-K, VM, MM, AP - Been involved in drafting the manuscript or revising it critically for important intellectual content. BD, PCh, AP-K, VM, MM, AP - Given final approval of the version to be published. Each author have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content. BD, PCh, AP-K, VM, MM, AP - Agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

No funding available for this study.

Availability of data and materials

Declarations.

Not applicable.

We declare no competing interest by any of the authors.

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Home > FACULTIES > Nursing > NURSING-ETD

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

This collection contains theses and dissertations from the Department of Nursing, collected from the Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Sex Differences in Coping Strategies, Infertility-Related Stress, and Predictors of Infertility-Related Stress among Saudi Men and Women Attending Infertility Clinics , Hayat Abdullah Algamadi

The Experience of Postpartum Care Practices among Parent and Healthcare Providers in Canada: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis , Andrea Atkinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Nurse-Hero Discussion on Twitter: A Social Network Analysis and Qualitative Content Analysis , Amna Ali

The impact of Authentic Leadership, Structural Empowerment, Psychological Empowerment, Interpersonal Conflict, and Job Satisfaction on Turnover Intention among Early Career Nurses in Saudi Arabia. , Ohood Ali Alkaabi miss

The Process of Art Creation Among Mothers from Ontario Who Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence , Madison L. Broadbent

Exploring How Mothers With A History Of Intimate Partner Violence Experienced The COVID-19 Pandemic , Emma Jane Butler

Nurse-Assisted Injection: Perceptions of Dependent Injectors in Ontario, Canada , Emelia C. Cormack

Exploring the Role of the Nurse in Supporting Breastfeeding among Indigenous Women in Canada: A Scoping Review of the Literature , Lindsey Corrigan

The Experiences of Clinical Placement Belonging Among Nursing Students with Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Identities: An Interpretive Descriptive Study , Connor J. Gould

Nurses’ and Midwives’ Lived Experiences as Mentees in a Clinical Mentorship Program in Rwanda: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study , Yvonne Kasine 2399948

Uncovering the Experience of Determining Readiness to Increase Self-Management Responsibility in Canadian Adolescents Living with Type 1 Diabetes , Kelly A. Kennedy

Exploring Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Through A Serious Gaming-Enabled Digital Simulation , Stephanie Kennedy Miss

The Development, Refinement, Implementation, and Impact of a Nurse-Led Health Coaching Self-Care Management Intervention for Heart Failure , Maureen Leyser

Relational Variables Impacting the Healthcare Team , Linda J. MacDougall Ms

Exploring Family Members’ Beliefs and Experiences of Supporting Relatives with Substance Use and Misuse within Black Communities , Esther N. Monari

An Exploration of the Culturally-Rooted Meaning and Consequences of Unintended Adolescent Pregnancy in Rwanda: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective , Jean Pierre Ndayisenga

Exploring how the Perinatal Services of Primary Health Care Settings in Rwanda Support Adolescent Mothers to Inform the Delivery of Trauma- and Violence-Informed Care: An Interpretive Description , Aimable NKURUNZIZA

Bridging the Gap: Canadian Health Care Providers Perspectives' of Harm Reduction and Substance Use Education in Hospital , Leanne Scott

Intimate Partner Violence, Social Support, Mastery, and Mental Health , Alice Pearl Sedziafa

A Picture of Spirituality in Youth Living with Bipolar Disorder , Michelle S. Solomon

Decentering Whiteness in Nursing Education: The Pitfalls, Tensions, and Opportunities , Ivy Tran

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Exploring Health Inequities: Head Injuries in People Experiencing Homelessness , Emily M. Angus

Women’s Priorities and Actions Mothering in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence , Sharon Broughton

Toward Understanding Culturally Safe Health Care for Transgender People: A Scoping Review of Health Care Provider Knowledge , Terrie Butler-Foster

Forming Authentic and Purposeful Relationships with Racialized Communities from an Anti-Oppressive Lens: A Framework for African, Caribbean, and Black Communities , Jaimeson R. Canie

Clinical Virtual Simulation: A Qualitative Usability Study , Samantha Beatrice Cooke

Predictors and Outcomes of Patient Stigma Perception Appraisal: Developing and Testing of a Dynamic Stigma Model of Mental Illness , Sebastian Kwadwo Gyamfi

Women’s Experiences of Accessing Breastfeeding and Perinatal Health Support in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: An Interpretive Description Study , Samantha Larose

"Pain is What the Patient Says it is": A Secondary Analysis of Nurses’ Reflections on the Term Pain Catastrophizing , Riana Longo

An Exploration of Non-Urgent Emergency Department Use from the Patient and Health Care Professional Perspective , Amanda McIntyre

Self-management Experience of Nurses Living with Migraine: A Qualitative Study , Marionette Ngole Dione

Host Organizations' Perspectives of Partnered Global Study-Abroad Programs , Jessica C. Pop

The Effect of Interprofessional Conflict Resolution on Interprofessional Collaborative Practice among Health Care Provider Teams in Hospitals , Sibylle Ugirase

Teaching Family Planning in Nursing and Midwifery Schools: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study , Pauline Uwajeneza

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Syrian Refugee Women's Experiences with the Ontario Health Care System: A Critical Ethnography Study , Areej Al-Hamad

The Influence of Authentic Leadership on Nurses’ Turnover Intentions and Satisfaction with Quality of Care in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study , Bayan Alilyyani

Understanding the Current State of Health Information Exchange in Long-Term Care Homes , Kendra R. Cotton

Relationships among Interactional and Organizational Factors with Healthcare Provider Outcomes Post-Implementation of an Interprofessional Model of Patient Care , Wendy L. Ellis

Chronic Disease Management in a Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic: An Interpretive Description Study , Natalie Floriancic

Understanding the Lived Experience of Health Through the Exploration of Well-being of Women with Multiple Sclerosis in Southwestern Ontario , Jennifer Howard

"Healthcare Heroes" - The Change in Perceptions of Nurses' Roles During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Critical Discourse Analysis , Stephanie Jones

The Discursive Construction of Substance Use and Harm Reduction in Canadian Health Policy , Sibel Kusdemir

Nurses' and Nurse Educators' Experiences of a Pediatric Nursing Continuing Professional Development program in Rwanda , Amy K. Olson

Health Providers Perspectives on the Access and Use of Formal Health and Social Services by Stroke Caregivers , Hannah Pollock

The Effect of Authentic Leadership and New Graduate Support on New Graduate Nurses' Job Satisfaction , Stephanie H. Prtenjaca

Reddit and Nursing During Covid-19: A Summative Content Analysis , Julia C. Savin

Being a Child Bride in Nigeria: A Feminist Narrative Inquiry , Olubukola Foluke Sonibare

New Graduate Nurses’ Experiences of Engaging in a Leadership Role in Hospital Settings During the COVID-19 Pandemic , Justine Jeanelle Ting

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Interprofessional Role Clarification Among Licensed Health Care Practitioners in Rural and Smaller Community Hospitals , Dianne E. Allen

Exploring Nursing Student Use of Instagram: Selfies and Soliloquies and #becominganurse with Evolving Digital Footprints , Kingsley KS Au

The Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Symptoms Among Adult Women: Systematic Review , Ohud Shawqi Banjar

Exploring the Relationships Among New Graduate Nurses’ Structural Empowerment, Psychological Empowerment, Work Engagement, and Clinical Nurse Educator Leadership in Acute Care Settings , Carly Blair

Caring Revisited: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis on the Association of Caring with the Profession of Nursing , Margot Boulton

Optimization of Simulated Electronic Medication Administration for Safe Management During Nursing Education , Laura Brennan

Leader Empowering Behaviour as a Predictor of Nurse and Patient Outcomes , Karen Cziraki

The Effect of Authentic Leadership on New Graduate Nurses’ Organizational Identification, Trust in the Manager, Patient Safety Climate, and Willingness to Report Errors , Fatmah Fallatah

Unit Managers’ Authentic Leadership, Staff Nurses’ Work Attitudes and Behaviours, and Outcomes of Care: A Structural Equation Model , Lisa M. Giallonardo

Developing and Evaluating the Integrated Addiction Recovery Model for the Persons' Engagement and Retention in the Recovery Process Among Clinical Populations from Rwanda , Boniface Harerimana

Developing Competencies for Public Policy Advocacy: A Comparative Case Analysis , Amy L. Lewis

Prematurity, Socioeconomic Status, And Childhood Asthma: A Canadian Cohort Study , Crystal P. McLeod

Patient Roles within Interprofessional Collaborative Patient-Centred Care Teams: The Patient and Health Care Provider Perspectives , Kateryna Metersky

Nurses' and Midwives' Experiences as Mentors in a Clinical Mentorship Program in Rwanda , Marie Chantal Murekatete

Examining the Impact of Social Media on Youth Self-Perceived Mental Health , Chantal Singh

Exploring Mental Health, Physical Health, and Affective Commitment in Acute Care Oncology Nurses in Ontario , Lesley M. Smith

Women’s Experience of Obtaining Health and Social Services following Intimate Partner Violence: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Relationships in Rural Communities , Emily E. Soares

Values, Assumptions, Behaviours, and Practices Influencing the Professional Development of Nursing Students Within Acute Care Practice Environments in Rwanda: A Focused Ethnographic Study , Benoite Umubyeyi

A study of job satisfaction and turnover intention among acute care nurses working in rural and urban settings , Yasin Yasin

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Understanding the Lived Experiences of Saudi Students Enrolled in Canadian Graduate Nursing Programs , Aisha Namshan Aldawsari

Pathways to Homelessness: Exploring the Mental Health Experiences of Refugees Experiencing Homelessness in Canada , Bridget Annor

Breastfeeding Experiences of African Migrant Women in Developed Countries: A Qualitative Systematic Review. , Odinaka Ogoegbunam Anunike

Sociocultural Factors Affecting Mental Health Service Utilization by African Newcomer Women Following Childbirth in Canada , Deborah Baiden

Registered Nurses’ Perceptions of the Electronic Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale in a Community Hospital , Andrea de Jong

New Graduate Nurses: Relationships among Sex, Empowerment, Workplace Bullying, and Job Turnover Intention , Aaron L. Favaro

Women’s Experiences Receiving Humanitarian Aid , Aden M. Hamza

Registered Nurses' Intention To Use Electronic Documentation Systems: A Mixed Methods Study , Sarah Ibrahim

Exploring the Mental Health Care Experiences of Youth Transitioning from Paediatric to Adult Psychiatric Services Using the Photovoice Method: A Participatory Analysis of the PhotoSTREAM Project , Brianna Jackson

An exploration of how persons requiring hemodialysis treatment explain the ways in which access to transportation for such treatment influences their overall health. , Navpreet Kamboj

Exploring the Characteristics and Behaviours of Nurses Who Have Attained Microcelebrity Status on Instagram , Hanna Kerr

Collaborative Self-Management and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Integrating Patient Needs into an Educational Program for Nurses , Loretta G. McCormick RN (EC)

Assessing the Impact of Mentorship on Rwandan Nurses’ and Midwives’ Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage , Marie Grace Sandra Musabwasoni

Nurse and Midwife Educators' Experiences of Translating Teaching Methodology Knowledge into Practice in Rwanda , Jean Pierre Ndayisenga

Exploration of Knowledge and Skills Development among Community Health Workers in Rwanda , Schadrack Ngabonziza

Assessing Changes in Knowledge about and Self-efficacy for Neonatal Resuscitation Among Rwandan Nurses and Midwives after a Mentorship Process , Gerard Nyiringango

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Lived Experience of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Saudi Women: Interpretive Phenomenological Study , Hayat Abdullah Algamadi

Relationships Among Authentic Leadership, Manager Incivility and Trust in the Manager , Ohood Ali Alkaabi

Gender and Experiences of Family Homelessness , Fawziah Almalki

The Influence of Authentic Leadership on Fourth-Year Nursing Students' Experience of Workplace Bullying and Withdrawal Intentions , Lindsay Anderson

Exploring Social Cohesion Among Syrian Refugees in Canada: A Secondary Analysis , Sara Calvert

An Exploration of Medication Errors Generated by Baccalaureate Nursing Students Using Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) Technology in Clinical Simulation , Ryan Chan

An Exploration of the Nursing Leaders’ Experiences Addressing Indigenous Health in University Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Ontario , Danae Coggins

It's About Time! GDM: A Transformative Postpartum Process. A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study , Natalie Giannotti

Women's Quality of Life After Leaving an Abusive Relationship: The Effects of Past and Ongoing Intimate Partner Violence, Mastery and Social Support , Diana Jaradat

Exploring unmet healthcare needs, healthcare access, and the use of complementary and alternative medicine by chronic pain sufferers- An analysis of the National Population Health Survey , Jessica LaChance

Exploring Harm Reduction Among Canadian Veterans Experiencing Homelessness , Olivia Marsella

Explaining Collaboration in Nursing Education Programs , Jason Powell

Social inclusion for women experiencing homelessness , Jenna Richards

Examining the Relationships among Authentic Leadership, Interprofessional Collaboration, and Nurse Assessed Adverse Events: A Mediation Model , Vanessa Safian

The Effects of Authentic Leadership and Organizational Commitment on Job Turnover Intentions of Experienced Nurses , Alexis E. Smith

Supporting Indigenous Students: A Critical Analysis of the Sociocultural Context of Nursing Education , Kay E. Vallee

Authentic Leadership and Workplace Bullying Among Experienced Registered Nurses: Testing a Double Mediation Model , Edmund J. Walsh

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Home > MAHE Student Work > MCON

Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2021 2021.

Effectiveness of Comprehensive Hemophilia Education Program (CHEP) on health related Quality of Life and Clinical outcomes of children and young people with hemophilia in selected hemophila clinics of Karnataka. , Anjalin D’Souza

Effectiveness of a Preterm Home Care Program (PHCP) on parent infant interaction among mothers of preterms and the developmental outcomes of the preterms in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal Karnataka. , E. Binu Margaret

A study on Child Abuse, and its relationship with the attitude of adults and Socio – Demographic variables in Udupi Dist. , Sangeetha Priyadarshini

Effectiveness of Developmental Supportive Care Program (DSCP) on the health status of preterm infants, knowledge, and practice of care providers in a selected Neonatal unit of tertiary care hospital. , Yashoda Sathish

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

“ Life Style Factors Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure Among Working Women Of Selected Institutions Of Udupi Taluk: A Case Control Study.” , PRIYA LAVEENA ALVA

Prevalance, Risk factors for Malnutrition and effectiveness of need-based intervention on nutritional status and cognitive development of preschool children in Anganwadi centers of Udupi Dist. , Ansuya .

Effectiveness of a comprehensive educational program for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) to identify individuals with bleeding disorders in udupi District: A community –based study , Sulochana B

“A study to assess the knowledge on post Exposure prophylaxis and adherence to Needle stick injury prevention measures among nurses in selected hospitals of Udupi taluk, Karnataka” , KUSUMAVATHI .

" “A Study to Assess the Pattern of Smartphone Usage, Smartphone Addiction and Associated Subjective Health Problems Among Nursing Students of Selected Colleges of Udupi District” " , JOYCE MACHADO

“A Study to Assess The perception towards Tobacco Consumption And Its Usage Among The Auto Rickshaw Drivers Of Udupi District, Karnataka” , SHAKEEL MOHAN

"“A cross-sectional study to assess the body Mechanics, perceived musculoskeletal problems and health-seeking behaviour among Construction workers of Udupi district.” " , RAGHAVENDRA NAYAK

Oral Care Protocol for Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy included oral complications in Cancer Patients. , Radhika R Pai

“A Comparative Study To Assess The Attitude And Self-Reported Practices Of Self- Medication Among The Healthcare And Non- Healthcare Undergraduate Students Of Selected Institutions Of A University In Udupi District, Karnataka” , ILAKKIYA P

"“A descriptive study to assess the Knowledge and attitude towards global Warming and perceived impacts of Regional climate change on health among the health science students of Udupi District, Karnataka” " , BADAPLIN RYNJAH

“A Study To Assess The Correlation Between Level Of Critical Thinking Ability And Competency In Performing Neurological Assessment Among Nursing Students Of Selected Nursing Colleges Of Udupi District, Karnataka” , PIYALI SAHA

“Awareness about rights of older adults, attitude and perception towards ageism among the college students of Udupi district: A descriptive cross-sectional study” , ANGEL THOMAS

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

A study to assess the knowledge regarding endometriosis and wellbeing of women diagnosed with endometriosis in selected hospitals of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka , ANNIE NIRMALA A

“Effect of Mandala Art Therapy on attention and functional social skill among intellectually disabled children in a selected special school of Udupi, Karnataka.” , POOJA BAKSHI

A study to assess the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), dietary habits and stress among employees working in selected institutes of Udupi district, Karnataka , SANGEETA BSR

Effectiveness of Pulmonary Interventions (PI) on Health-Related Quality Of Life (HRQL) and Clinical Outcomes (CO) among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. , Flavia Castelino

Effectiveness of E-Surveillance by the Infection Control Competent Nurses (ICCN) in selected hospitals of Udupi and DK Dist. Karnataka , Soumya Christabel

A comparative study to assess the life satisfaction, self-esteem, depression and health related behaviour among pensioners and non- pensioners elderly population of selected villages of Udupi taluk, Karnataka , ROSHINI DSOUZA

A case control study to assess the risk factors associated with fetal and neonatal death in Kasturba Hospital (KH), Manipal, Karnataka , RITU KUMARI

Efficacy of Acupressure on contributing factors of fatigue, severity of fatigue, Oxidative Stress Markers (OSM) and other blood parameters of patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) in a selected tertiary hospital of Udupi Dist. Karnataka , Daisy Josphine Lobo

A study to assess the post-menopausal symptoms, stress and coping strategies among women in selected villages of Udupi taluk, Karnataka , SOWMYA NAIK

A correlational study to assess the emotional intelligence, self-esteem and assertiveness among youth studying in selected undergraduate higher educational institutions of Udupi district. , JAGRITI NIYOGI

A study to assess the determinants and outcomes of acute kidney injury among patients admitted to critical care units of a tertiary care hospital of Udupi district , CAROLINE LIYAN NORONHA

A retrospective survey on clinic epidemiological profile of venomous snake bite patients in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal , TANUSREE PRADHAN

A descriptive study to assess non suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviour and emotional dysregulation among college students of selected colleges in Udupi district, Karnataka , MANISHA SAMANTA

A study to assess the functional abilities and quality of life (QOL) among the adult patients with hearing loss and their perspective towards use of hearing aid in selected hospitals of Udupi district, Karnataka , SHALINI .

A study to assess the awareness and attitude on gamete donation in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Udupi district, Karnataka in a view of developing a information booklet , HEMA SHANKAR

A retrospective cohort study on perinatal outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women hospitalized to a tertiary referral hospital of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka , BINITA SHARMA

A study to assess information needs and risk of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with a view to develop and validate an information guide in a tertiary care centre, Udupi district , SMITA D VARGHESE

Multidimensional Intervention on Self-Management and Quality of Life of type 2 Diabetes patients , Aldrin Vas

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A study to assess the peer influence and the behavior among adolescents of pre-university colleges of Udupi taluk , JISHA MARY ALEXANDER

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and perception regarding menopause among married women and their spouses in selected villages of Udupi Districts. , AMITHA .

A descriptive study to assess treatment nonadherence among people diagnosed with stroke and burden among their caregivers in Kasturba Hospital Manipal , ASHWINI .

A descriptive study to assess the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence among middle aged women who are working under MIS in selected institutions of Manipal Academy of Higher Education in view of providing health teaching on pelvic floor exercise. , LIBY BABY

A retrospective study to assess the prevalence, determinants and outcome of sepsis in a tertiary care hospital, Udupi district. , DRAGO MELBA BAZEL

A correlational study on physical activity, energy expenditure and body weight among secondary school children in selected schools of Udupi district, Karnataka. , KALYANI BISWAS

A study to assess the pain level of the critically ill patients admitted in ICUs and the nurse’s perception on pain of critically ill patients in selected tertiary care hospital, Udupi district. , CHHANDA CHAKRABORTY

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Impact of Nurse Navigator Programme (NNP) on Anxiety, Psychological Distress and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karnataka” , Shejila C H

A study to assess the health literacy and barriers to health literacy among health sciences and non-health science members of selected institutes of Udupi district, Karnataka. , FELCITA LAVINA CUTHINO

A study to assess the knowledge on stroke and health seeking behaviour among hypertensive patients in selected tertiary care hospital, Udupi district, Karnataka. , DIVYA DAVIS

A study to compare the quality of life, child adjustment and social support of only child and child with siblings in selected schools of Udupi district. , ARLINE TENCY DSOUZA

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge on mental health and mental illness among students of selected health professional colleges of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi district. , HENSHAW NSA EKANEM

A case control study to compare the factors influencing early onset of menarche among school children in selected schools of Udupi district. , JESNA JOSEPH

A study to assess the effectiveness of nutritional enhancement programme on knowledge and micronutrient deficiency assessment skills among mothers of anganwadi children and dietary intake of micronutrients of anganwadi children in selected anganwadi centres of Udupi district, Karnataka. , SHRADDHA S KANCHAN

A Comparative study to determine The effectiveness of Antepartum breathing exercises on outcome of labor between Primigravid and Multigravid Women in selected hospital Of Udupi District, Karnataka , Sushmitha Ramona Karkada

A study to assess the effectiveness of Prenatal Training Module (PTM) on knowledge and skill of newborn care among mothers in the selected Hospitals of Udupi District. , KAVYA .

A study to assess the awareness of Gestational diabetes mellitus and identify compliance to management among Gestational Diabetes mellitus in selected hospital of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Udupi District, Karnataka. , MEENA KONSAM

A case- control study to assess the knowledge and risk factors of urolithiasis among patients attending urology outpatient department (OPD) in selected hospital of Udupi district, Karnataka. , MERLIN K KUNJUMON

A study to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on anxiety and sleeping pattern among the nursing students in selected nursing colleges of udupi district" , UMA LAMICHANEY

A study to assess the knowledge of type II diabetes mellitus patients on diabetic neuropathy and to identify the people at risk for the development of upper extremity diabetic neuropathy among type II diabetes mellitus patients with a view to develop an information pamphlet in a selected hospital of Udupi district, Karnataka. , CLARITA SHYNAL MARTIS

A study to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention on knowledge and practice of peripheral intravenous catheterization by healthcare professionals (Nurses) among neonates of NICU’s in selected hospitals of Udupi district, Karnataka. , JIJI MATHEW

A comparative study to assess the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and perception of body image among normal and overweight/obese adolescents in selected English Medium Schools of Udupi District, Karnataka. , JANE JYOTHI MATHIAS

A case control study to identify the biopsychosocial risk factors that may contribute to intellectual disability among children attending selected special school of Udupi district, Karnataka. , HENITA JOSHNA MENEZES

A descriptive study to assess the symptoms and risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome among the computer users in selected workplaces of Udupi district, Karnataka , KEERTHI NAIK

A study to assess the depressive symptoms and bio-psychosocial problems among postmenopausal women living in selected villages of Udupi district, Karnataka , SHWETHA NAYAK

A study to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention on knowledge and practice of staff nurses on prevention of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) in neonates of a selected Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital. , DIPANJALI ROY

A correlative study on social media addiction and self-esteem among students of selected degree colleges of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka. , SRIPARNA SARKAR

A study to determine the influence of caesarean births on perinatal outcomes - A hospital based cohort study. , ANJANA SHARMA

A study to assess the functional outcome and the perceived benefit among the patients undergone total knee arthroplasty , SABINA SHARMA

Antihypertensive Treatment: Impact of Multimodal Interventions on Medication Non-Adherence , Melita Sheilini

A study to assess the effectiveness of Motivational Enhancement Therapy on relapse prevention among adults with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome in selected hospitals of Udupi District, Karnataka , PRATHIMA SHERIGARTHY

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge, attitude, utilization of contraceptives and barriers for non-utilization among the married women residing in the selected slums of Udupi district , SOWMYA .

A study to assess the perceived stress and eating behaviour among undergraduate students in selected professional and non-professional colleges of Udupi district. , RINTU THOMAS

A descriptive study to assess the adjustment and self esteem among the first year B.Sc. Nursing students of selected nursing colleges of Udupi district. , ANKUR TIWARI

Effectiveness of extended infection control measures on MRSA infection among orthopedic surgery patients. , Latha T

A study on the psychosocial maladjustment and personality of children of alcoholics among graduates studying in affiliated colleges of Manipal Academy of General Education. , REEMA SUSAN VARGHESE

Effect of aggression management and violence prevention training among nursing personnel working in psychiatric and emergency settings of selected hospitals of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Dist. , Binil V

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

“A descriptive study to assess the immunization compliance, common health problems of immunized under five children and perceived maternal barriers for immunization in selected rural areas of Udupi district”. , ANUSHA C A

Effectiveness of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention Programme (CNIP) on Anxiety, Fatigue, Self- Efficacy and Quality of Life among patients undergoing Coronary Artery bypass graft surgery in a tertiary care hospital- A randomized controlled trial. , Ramesh C C

A study to assess the knowledge on practice of urinary catheter care and compliance to urinary catheter care guidelines by the staff nurses working in a tertiary care hospital, Udupi district , MARYL CANDIDA CUTINHO

A study to assess the knowledge and practice on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infection and the carrier status among healthcare professionals of a tertiary care hospital, Udupi District. , DIANA DMELLO

“A study to assess the knowledge, stress and coping patterns of grandmothers involved in child-rearing practices of children of employed mothers in selected areas of Udupi district, Karnataka. , REENA M DSILVA

“A study to assess the effectiveness of puppet show on knowledge about child safety based on learning styles among 5th and 6th standard students of selected Kannada medium schools in the rural areas of Udupi district” , JOSVITA SANDRA FERNANDES

“A study to assess the relationship between psychological well-being and perceived parenting style among selected high school students of Udupi district”. , ANSU FRANCIS

A retrospective study to assess the incidence and factors predisposing to surgical site infection (SSI) in patients who have undergone Caesarean Section in tertiary care hospital of Udupi district, Karnataka. , DEBALINA GHOSH

Effectiveness of video assisted teaching program on knowledge and preventive practices of Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections (CRBSIs) among health care professionals in selected Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of a tertiary care hospital Udupi , JEFFIN THOMAS JACOB

“A study to assess the sleep quality and academic performance among the undergraduate students of selected Nursing Colleges of Udupi District, Karnataka”. , SALLY JANE J K

“A comparative study on academic performance, anthropometric measurements, cognitive development, reaction time and self-defence mechanism among Karate and non-Karate performers of selected schools in Udupi district, Karnataka”. , JILU SALY JOSE

A study on gender stereotype, self-esteem and their determinants among adolescents of selected English medium secondary school of Udupi district. , BHANU CHHETRI KARKI

Study to evaluate the infection control practices to prevent transmission of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) among health care personnel working in selected units of a tertiary care hospital at Udupi district Karnataka. , KARISHMA KHAUND

A study to determine the infection control practices by the Health Care Workers (HCWs) and facilities in the labor theatre (LT) of a selected tertiary referral hospital of Udupi District , Karnataka , MITCHELLE S LEWIS

An observational study to assess the practice of infection control measures on patients undergoing Transvaginal sonography and Pap smear procedure , among health care professionals in Obstetrical and Gynecological outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Udupi District, Karnataka , PRIYANKA REKHA MONDAL

A study to assess the existing practices of intravenous (IV) medication management and barriers for safe practices among healthcare professionals in a selected hospital of Udupi district, Karnataka. , MADHURIKRANTA MUKHERJEE

A study to assess the level of anger, coping and factors influencing anger amongst adolescents of selected schools, Udupi district Karnataka. , PUSAHOLE NATSO

Effect of perceived barriers to symptom management on Quality Of Life (QOL) and the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention among cancer patients in selected cancer hospitals of Karnataka State. , Malathi G Nayak

Effect of Yoga therapy on Antenatal stress and pregnancy outcome , Maria Pais

"A study to assess the practice and perceived barriers towards infection control measures among Health Care Workers (HCWs) in dialysis unit of a tertiary hospital, Udupi District, Karnataka " , JACKLINE PRATHIBHA

A correlational study to assess the intergenerational ambivalence and psychological wellbeing among mothers of young adults of selected areas of Udupi district, Karnataka , STEFFI JENIFER QUADRAS

A study to explore bullying and its impact on the psychosocial wellbeing among the selected high school students of Udupi district, Karnataka. , REEMA RAI

A Randomized controlled trial on effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention on migraine. , Vishnu Renjith

“A study to assess students adjustment to their professional course and academic performance among undergraduate nursing students studying in selected institutions of Udupi District, Karnataka.” , BIJOYLAKSHMI SAHOO

"A study to assess the knowledge, perception, psycho social preparedness for menarche and the problems experienced by the adolescent girls in selected schools of Udupi district”. , CHARMAINE CRYSTAL SALINS

Effectiveness of Trainning Programme on prevention of Ventilator Associated Events (VAE) in terms of Knowledge and practice among health care professionals of selected Intensive Care Units (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital udupi , ARJUN S

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) for Indians and effectiveness of a Disease Management Program (DMP) in controlling the progression of chronic kidney disease. , Leena Sequira

A study to assess the practices of postoperative surgical site dressing among the health care professionals in a tertiary hospital of Udupi district , SIJIMOL S

A study to assess the knowledge and practices of cleaning and disinfection among Health Care Workers (HCWs) in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of a tertiary care Hospital in Udupi district, Karnataka. , TINCY VARGHESE

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EXPLORE. EXCEL. EXPAND.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

• Augusta University
• College of Nursing
• PhD in Nursing

Applications for Fall 2024 admission are open August 10, 2023 - May 15, 2024.

Advance your nursing career in the PhD in Nursing program, which features interdisciplinary research opportunities in multiple areas such as cardiovascular health, community-based participatory interventions, and health promotion.

The PhD in Nursing is a hybrid program. The program features excellent mentoring and teaching by faculty, extensive research experiences, and committed peers. The PhD in Nursing program emphasizes interdisciplinary knowledge development and dissemination. The College of Nursing offers two campuses: in Augusta and in Athens, Georgia. Dissertation research may occur at approved sites near home or work. For DNP-prepared nurses, course credit may be given for previous coursework.

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The PhD in Nursing is a hybrid program. The program features excellent mentoring and teaching by faculty, extensive research experiences, and committed peers.

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Experience-based Education

Program Outcomes

With a Ph.D. in Nursing, you will possess the skills needed to apply leadership strategies to address ethical, political, economic, and socio-cultural issues in nursing. You will demonstrate expertise in your field using an interdisciplinary approach to generate and apply scientific knowledge in the field of healthcare.

You will be prepared to critically evaluate behavioral and biological theories of health and illness and design clinical nursing studies to research the effectiveness of health care within selected communities.

Students can complete this program as a full-time or part-time student. Look through the outline of curriculum for either type of student.

The DNP degree is a practice doctorate. The PhD is a research doctorate. Decide what would be the best for your education and career goals.

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Take the step further in your education. We hope that Augusta University's College of Nursing can be your place of education.

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Students have access to the latest classroom technology in a new, state-of-the-art facility that includes an Interdisciplinary Simulation Center and Augusta University's research centers and institutes.

You will have the opportunity to engage in ground-breaking research in a dynamic, resource-rich health sciences university environment. We offer collaboration with world-class researchers and provide you with a wide range of services to support your research interests, including research monitoring and assistantship for students enrolled full-time.

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Dissertation Topics in Nursing

• PMID: 35583448
• DOI: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000604

Background: Few quantitative studies have documented the types of research topics most commonly employed by nursing PhD students and whether they differ by program delivery (in-person vs. online/hybrid programs).

Objectives: We examined a large set of publicly available PhD dissertation abstracts to (a) describe the relative prevalence of different research topics and methods and (b) test whether the primary topics and methods used differed between online or hybrid and in-person PhD programs. A secondary goal was to introduce the reader to modern text-mining approaches to generate insights from a document corpus.

Methods: Our database consisted of 2,027 dissertation abstracts published between 2015 and 2019. We used a structural topic modeling text-mining approach to explore PhD students' research topics and methods in United States-based doctoral nursing programs.

Results: We identified 24 different research topics representing a wide range of research activities. Most of the research topics identified did not differ in prevalence between online/hybrid and in-person programs. However, online/hybrid programs were more likely to engage students in research focused on nursing education, professional development, work environment, simulation, and qualitative analysis. Pediatrics, sleep science, older adults and aging, and chronic disease management were more prevalent topics in in-person-only programs.

Discussion: The range of topics identified highlights the breadth of research nursing PhD students' conduct. Both in-person and online/hybrid programs offer a range of research opportunities, although we did observe some differences in topic prevalence. These differences could be due to the nature of some types of research (e.g., research that requires an in-person presence) or differences in research intensity between programs (e.g., amount of grant funding or proximity to a medical center). Future research should explore why research topic prevalence may vary by program delivery. We hope that this text-mining application serves as an illustrative example for researchers considering how to draw inferences from large sets of text documents. We are particularly interested in seeing future work that might combine traditional qualitative approaches and large-scale text mining to leverage the advantages of each.

Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Abstracts Of Thesis of Ph.D Nursing

National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Podcast with Susan Solmos - Facial Pressure Injuries During COVID-19 RNHuddle Podcast Activities - Nursing Hot Topics

Dr. Joyce Black is back as host for this NPIAP episode, and she is joined by Susan Solmos who is a PhD graduate of the UNMC College of Nursing. Dr. Solmos is currently a part of the University of Chicago Medical Center's Center for Nursing Professional Practice and Research. Drs. Black and Solmos discuss the horrific nature of facial pressure injuries brought on by the (very important) mask wearing of our nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Solmos wrote her dissertation on how nurses shared their pressure injuries to the world via Instagram. This qualitative data was then used to show how the N95 masks were protecting yet also harming the nurses on the frontlines. While not news to our listeners, this is a great discussion between two passionate wound specialists on how our most beloved fighters during the COVID-19 pandemic, were fighting their own physical battle.

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