Experiences of Dual PHD-DNP Nursing Students During Doctoral Education

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Background

Nursing doctoral education now includes an option with a growing national interest: the PhD-DNP dual degree. Although programs have existed for 10 years, little is known about experiences of dual PhD-DNP degree nursing students (DDNS) during doctoral education, including their perceptions of mentorship during coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation readiness.

Objective

To explore and describe the experiences of DDNS during hybrid dual doctoral education at one Southwestern university.

Method

Using a qualitative descriptive design, DDNS (n = 4) at a Southwestern university were interviewed about their experiences during coursework and comprehensive examinations.

Results

Three categories fundamental to DDNS were identified through an inductive and deductive iterative process: coursework experiences, including the key findings of in-betweenness and isolation; mentorship; and comprehensive examination experience. Categories of dissertation readiness and DDNS recommendations were inductively derived.

Conclusion

Current interest in the PhD-DNP dual degree underscores the importance of knowing more about the experiences of DDNS. The key findings of in-betweenness and isolation have previously not been described in the nursing literature and need to be considered for the DDNS. Facilitators and inhibitors, mentorship experiences, and mentor attributes affect progression of DDNS through coursework. Strategies for success for DDNS, faculty and program success are provided.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.02.005

APA Citation

Kruse, J. A., Litten, J. P., Kujawa, J., Chatman, N., & Didion, J. (2020). Project REACH: A multi-level, interdisciplinary approach to enhance student retention and success. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(5), 364–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.02.005

Rights

© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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