“We're at a watershed”: The positioning of PhD nurses in clinical practice
Funding information
This study was funded by the Graduate School of Health Aarhus University and Central Denmark Region.
Abstract
Aim
The aim of this study was to explore different perspectives on the positioning (i.e. the perceived rights and duties) of PhD nurses and how they contribute to clinical nursing practice.
Background
The number of PhD nurses is growing worldwide, but we only have little knowledge of what is expected of PhD nurses and what their actual impact is in the clinic.
Design
The findings of this article stem from a qualitative, explorative interview study.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six PhD nurses, nine nurse colleagues and six clinical nurse leaders. Data collection took place from April - June 2016 in Central Denmark Region. Data were analysed using positioning theory.
Findings
The PhD nurses were positioned as responsible for implementing evidence-based practice in the clinic and in nursing culture as such. Emphasis was put on the importance of PhD nurses staying close to the clinic to do practice-based research of immediate effect for patient care.
Conclusion
The study reveals several positive effects of PhD nurses in the clinic but also problematizes the many and diverse duties they are expected to carry out.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).
