Interventions to boost enrollment in nursing doctor of philosophy (PhD) programs.
Nurs Outlook 2021;
70:166-192. [PMID:
34689993 DOI:
10.1016/j.outlook.2021.07.007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Nursing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) enrollments are languishing, and little is known about PhD enrollment strategies that may lessen nursing's PhD shortage.
PURPOSE
This study examined strategies for bolstering PhD enrollments or enrollment intentions among college students and graduates.
METHODS
An integrative review was undertaken using Whittemore and Knafl's methodology and Garrard's Matrix Method. Nine databases were searched, and a hand search was conducted.
FINDINGS
Strategies were predominantly situated in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Features of successful strategies contained core components of faculty mentoring, hands-on research, funding and compensation, undergraduate participation, summer timeframe, informational sessions, and social support.
DISCUSSION
Less rigorous study designs and mostly STEM samples inhibit the transferability of these strategies to nursing. Qualitative research is needed to better understand nursing students' perspectives about the PhD. Additionally, current PhD enrollment strategies within nursing schools need to be systematically evaluated and the findings disseminated.
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