Motivation of men in nursing to pursue a doctoral (PhD) degree

Joint Event on 49^th International Congress on Nursing Care Plan & Health & 50^th World Congress on Men in Nursing

July 16-18, 2018 | Rome, Italy

Bernadette D Curry

Molloy College, USA

Keynote: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

The purpose of this study is to explore the motivation of men in nursing to pursue a PhD. It is a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach that involves interviews with men who are practicing nursing and currently enrolled in PhD programs, or are alumni. Deans of nursing schools were asked to recommend participants for the purposive sample. These individuals were contacted, and the sample consisted of 12 men in the Eastern region of the US. Interviews were conducted at the participantâ??s educational institution, place of employment, or by phone. Consent was obtained for recordings, and transcriptions were kept in a locked file. All identities and related information has been kept confidential. Data was analyzed for themes and notable elements of motivation. This study provides insight into the machinations and meaning of the decision among an underrepresented segment of the nursing profession. The results highlight the influences, both internal and external, on decision and timing. The information is significant to nursing because it may hold potential to increase the male population of nursing, incorporate the male perspective, enhance the scholarly image, and advance the professional functions of the discipline. Doctorally prepared nurses are the bedrock of nursing research, the designers of policy for healthcare, and the conduit of education for current professionals and the future of the profession.

Biography :

Bernadette D Curry is Dean Emerita and Professor at Molloy College. She holds a Baccalaureate degree from Niagara University, a master’s degree in Nursing from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a PhD in Educational Administration, Organization and Policy from the University at Buffalo, and a Certificate in Leadership from Harvard University. In addition, she has been inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing. She was presented a medal by the French Navy in recognition for achievement in nursing education. She has been an active participant and officer in a variety of professional organizations including Sigma Theta Tau International, American Nurses Association (ANA), International Network for Doctoral Education in Nursing (INDEN), American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN), American Association for French Speaking Health Professionals, Greater New York, Nassau, Suffolk Organization of Nurse Executives. She sits on several boards, serves as a Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Team Leader for evaluation of nursing programs, mentors doctoral students, and participated in the first Taking Care at the Bedside (TCAB) national initiative. She has published a variety of articles, including those requested for repository in the Jean Piaget Archives in Geneva, Switzerland and McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Currently, she is writing a book on Doctoral Education, and recently completed a study on the Motivation of Men in Nursing to Pursue the PhD degree. She has been an ardent advocate for men in nursing which is one area of interest. Other interests include leadership, professionalism, image of nursing, higher education, and marketing.

E-mail: bcurry@molloy.edu