Qualitative study on attitude of PhD nursing students towards clinical work

Abstract

Objective To investigate the attitude of PhD nursing students towards clinical work. Methods A qualitative research was made to ten full-time PhD students in nursing from six universities in a semi-structured interview, with the data so acquired analyzed using Colaizzi phenomenological methedology. Results Four themes were extracted from the analysis. They are their evaluation on nursing career and clinical work; their role in clinical work; their concerns for engaging in clinical work; and their expectations for clinical work. Conclusions Some of the nursing PhD students intend to engage in clinical nursing work after graduation, yet not without concerns, namely decent positions and career development. In this consideration, nursing administrators should take into full account of the students′ career expectations and value their important role in this field. In addition, a scientific hierarchical management system should be established, suitable positions should be set up, and new fields of clinical nursing practice explored, in order to fully leverage their talents and promote disciplinary progress to the field of nursing. Key words: PhD student; Clinical nursing practice; Attitude; Qualitative research; Semi-structured interview