Why Should You Consider a Doctoral Degree in Nursing?

— by Dr. Beverly Hoeffer, OHSU

The nation and the world face pressing problems related to the health care needs of individuals, families and communities. Nursing research plays a significant role in addressing today’s most crucial care issues: from health promotion and prevention, to living with acute and chronic illnesses and symptom management, to family caregiving, to compassionate end-of-life care. Nursing science contributions affect the lives of persons throughout their life spans, especially those who are vulnerable because of health, cultural, or socioeconomic reasons. Nursing discoveries change the way that health care and nursing care are delivered by contributing to the evidence-base for practice and policy change.

Additionally, the nation and the profession face a critical nursing shortage in health care and academic settings. Doctorally prepared nurses are needed more than ever. They are needed not only to contribute to the science of the discipline, but also to teach the next generation of nurses required to populate the nursing workforce in diverse health care settings.

A doctoral degree in nursing will prepare you as a researcher and scholar for future roles in research, academic, health care, and policy settings.