Journal Club Article: Henshaw, L., Cust, F., & Whitehead, B. (2025). Nursing and the doctorate, an important partnership: a discussion paper. Nurse Education in Practice, 104366.[abstract]

This discussion paper explores the landscape of doctoral studies for nurses, primarily within the UK but also considering international perspectives. It highlights the increasing importance of doctoral-level education for the nursing profession. This education is vital to advance research. It helps improve patient outcomes and enhances the evidence base for practice. The authors critically discuss various doctoral routes available. These include the traditional PhD, professional doctorates, and PhD by publication. They examine their value, challenges, and perceived equivalence. The paper also addresses barriers hindering nurses from pursuing doctoral studies. It emphasises the need for continued development and recognition of these advanced qualifications.

“It is vital for improved patient outcomes, evidence-based practice and the education of the nursing workforce that a proportion of nurses are being educated to doctoral level.”

Nursing Research: The UK is increasingly recognising the importance of nurse-led and engaged research. This is driven by the need for enhanced research activity and improved healthcare. Initiatives like the NIHR clinical academic career pathways promote research integration. The Chief Nursing Officer for England’s strategic plan for research also supports embedding research into the routine practice of nurses. The Willis Commission (2012) previously highlighted the benefits of combining clinical and academic work. It also called for more nurse academics with doctorates.

International Context: The drive for enhanced nursing research and doctoral qualifications is not unique to the UK. The US has a more established framework. This is achieved through the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The European Nursing Research Foundation (ENRF) reflects this trend. They have varying levels of established infrastructure. Notably, the DNP in the US is moving towards becoming the entry-level requirement for advanced nurse practitioner roles. International collaboration on doctoral programme structure is advocated due to existing incongruences despite efforts like the Bologna Process.

PhD Routes:

The Traditional PhD: the PhD is seen as the culmination of original research resulting in a publishable thesis. Examination typically involves internal and external experts and a viva voce. The PhD has faced calls to be more practice-oriented.

The Professional Doctorate (DProf): DProf focuses on research rooted in and contributing to professional practice. It aims to produce “professionals that are researchers.” It is increasingly recognised as the highest level of expertise in a professional field, including nursing.

“the professional doctorate produces professionals that are researchers, rather than professional researchers.”

The PhD by Publication: This route involves submitting several peer-reviewed research papers. These papers are linked by an introduction and synopsis. The examination is conducted via viva voce.

Potential Barriers: Fewer nurses pursue doctoral qualifications compared to other health professionals. Barriers include funding, time constraints, lack of self-belief, support availability, and the scale of the commitment. A lack of awareness of available routes and benefits may also deter nurses. Doctoral study is a prolonged and demanding undertaking. Financial challenges and access to research settings for self-funded students are significant hurdles. Self-confidence is also crucial for the self-directed nature of doctoral study

Summary: There is a growing need and desire for nurses to undertake doctoral studies. Collaborative efforts are necessary to prepare and support nurses for doctoral study. Efforts should encourage aspirations from the early stages of their careers. All doctoral pathways offer highly respected academic qualifications governed by strict quality assurance. This paper aims to highlight the importance of research and doctoral qualifications for nurses. It seeks to encourage critical discussion of the available routes.