Clinical work experiences and expectations of nurses with doctoral degrees: a qualitative study

ObjectiveTo understand the experience and expectations of clinical work in nursing with doctoral degree in China,and to provide a basis for further improving the clinical work experience of highly educated talents and giving full play to the professional value of nurses with a doctoral degree.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study was conducted.Fourteen clinical nurses holding doctoral degrees were recruited for semi⁃structured in⁃depth interviews.The interview data were analyzed by using content analysis to extract key themes.ResultsThree main themes and nine sub⁃themes were identified:dilemmas and professional identity under role conflict(including work conflicts under multiple roles,research challenges stemming from disciplinary characteristics,and evolving professional identity),retention motivations and coping under pressure(including work challenges under multiple pressures,retention motivations based on comprehensive advantages,and coping strategies in response to stress),and needs and expectations in career development(including the need for clear career path planning,equitable allocation of research resources,and expectations for administrative empowerment).ConclusionsClinical institutions should establish clear career development pathways,optimize evaluation systems,and provide targeted support in research resources and administrative empowerment.At the hospital level,talent positioning should be redefined to eliminate disciplinary bias and improve resource allocation.These measures are essential to fully develop the professional value of nurses with doctoral degrees and promote the high⁃quality development of the nursing discipline.