My journey to enrolling in a phd in nursing program
How hard is a PhD in nursing program? Many nurses have asked me this very question over the years.
My journey to pursing a PhD in Nursing was sort of a winding road that started when I was in nursing school (uh, over 20 years ago). At that time, I only saw that my professors had a PhD. However, I was intrigued but I was just way too bogged in my studies to ask my professors questions. My fixation was on graduating with my BSN and getting a job. My assumptions were that PhD-prepared nurses were only in academic spaces like colleges and universities.
sometimes someone sees something in you to go further
Fast-forward a few years, I started my master’s program to become an adult nurse practitioner. I took a research course and my professor at the time told me to consider pursing a PhD in Nursing because I was excelling (and I loved research!). She suggested I attend the University of California – San Francisco. But… I lived in New York, worked full-time, owned my apartment, and I couldn’t just pick up my life and move across the country (that can work for some people but I wasn’t going to work for me). I did not have real guidance on which way to go. Also, I didn’t know anyone who had a PhD, my hospital at the time was not associated with an academic medical center and research, and other people were interested in pursuing a DNP – and I had no interested in a DNP.
I’m sharing my journey a because I didn’t have anyone to guide me. I wish I did because I was winding around for about 10 years before I started my PhD in nursing program. Some of it happened by chance but I could have been more intentional. Whichever way you end up there, I do believe having some strategy will bring you further.
By the time I applied, got accepted, and started the PhD in Nursing program, I didn’t realize THE COMMITMENT to it that followed. Babyyy, it was a full-on commitment. Here are 5 things I wish I knew before getting my PhD in Nursing.
1. PhD in Nursing: More Than Just Research, It’s a Commitment
I don’t think I realized how much of my spare time was committed to my PhD program. Uh- waooww! Say good-bye to your social life. I kid, I kid because I was in a new relationship with my then boyfriend, now husband when I started my PhD. However, your time will be limited, and you must be mindful of how you will balance work, your personal life, and your PhD in nursing program coursework. A known fact is that you need to have stability in your life. I don’t not recommend changing jobs as that can often derail you from your PhD goals. To me, the coursework in the PhD in Nursing program was rigorous but doable.
It’s a matter of your mindset and YOU believe YOU can do. It’s a “she believed she could, so she did” kind of thing…You get the vibe LOL. What makes it hard is setting boundaries to make time to do the work. Saying no to picking up extra shifts at work and keeping things as stable as possible in my work and personal life.
2. How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in your Nursing PhD
Sheesh. That nagging imposter syndrome. Don’t you hate when you’re trying to do your thing, and then imposter syndrome just kicks in. I have to say “nurse practitioner Char” versus “nurse scientist Char” are always bumping heads. It was and sometimes still is very easy for me to get into my clinical mindset and abandon my nurse scientist mindset. Imposter syndrome can be so crippling when you are pursuing a PhD in Nursing and a nurse scientist career. I had many moments of doubt and often wondered “how did I get here” and if I belonged in this space. I was often the only Black person or the only nurse, and I didn’t go to an ivy league school that you would often find in academic medical centers and that made me feel very out of place. However, I had to kick imposter syndrome to the curb!
Crush imposter syndrome once and for all
Joining a professional nursing organization with like-minded people. The big take away is to be active in the organization though – not just pay the dues. (Click here to see more perks on professional nursing organizations.)
Get a mentor. Honestly, I have about 4 mentors that serve difference purposes. 1 PhD-prepared nurse mentor, 2 physician mentors, and 1 nurse practitioner mentor. I believe having well-rounded team of mentors for guidance and support have been so instrumental and I’m forever thankful.
Celebrate small wins! Sometimes I need to practice this more. If you aced a paper in your PhD program or perhaps your manuscript was accepted for publication – pop that bottle of bubbly or have a nice night out with your family or friends.
3. Funding is Available—But You Have to Be Proactive
Just like I mentioned before, I was not in the position to pack up my life and move across the country and start a new PhD in Nursing program. Also, how was I going to pay for it? There are many ways to get funded for your PhD in Nursing Program. For me, I worked in New York City, and I made it my business to work at an institution that offered tuition reimbursement. Usually, there is a time commitment attached to this on the backend (read the fine print when you sign up for this). This may not be everyone’s reality. And I know we are not trying to take out one more extra loan.
Consider Attending a school that offers loan repayment.
Consider attending a school that offers the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Program. This program is intended to fill the gap in nursing faculty shortage. In return, upon graduating, nursing faculty work at college or university and get 85% of their NFLP after 4 years.
Research-intensive university? Check if there’s funding available.
If you want to attend a research-intensive university, there is often funding provided (even stipends at times! Another ‘I wish knew’ moment).
4. Publishing & Conferences Matter More Than You Think
Turning Assignments to publications
Depending on the type of school you decide on, publishing may or may not be a big deal. However, it’s always encouraged to try to turn your papers and assignments into manuscripts and submit them for publication. Honestly, it’s a huge overtaking and takes a lot of work. Some of my classmates turned their papers into publications over the summer when we had more time. If you can do this, it is a huge accomplishment and makes you more competitive when applying for jobs and other opportunities.
Network and attend conferences during your phd studies
Also, attending conferences and networking is essential. If you are trying to grow a research career, you must make connections. Conferences and joining professional nursing organizations specific to nursing research or academia would be a great move while you complete your PhD in Nursing program.
5. Your Career Path Might Shift—and That’s Okay
Sometimes I cannot believe how much my career has changed as PhD-prepared nurse practitioners. Just think about it, PhD-prepared nurses represent 1% and nurse practitioners represent 8% of the entire nursing workforce – and both are in high demand. I have had many opportunities: chair/co-chair committees, worked with the department of health, research opportunities, consulting, being adjunct faculty, speaking engagements, research fellowships, traveling overseas, and I still practice as a nurse practitioner. Getting my PhD in nursing has been a game-changer and I’m only 1 ½ year post-graduation. I can only imagine where I am destined to go and I am looking forward to it.
Final Thoughts on Pursuing a PhD in Nursing
So, are you thinking of pursuing a PhD in nursing? I would consider approaching the PhD journey with an open mind. Don’t just do it to do it.
Key Takeaways:
(1) Consider your work-life-school balance before jumping in a PhD in nursing program. It’s doable but you will have to be strategic
(2) Imposter syndrome can be tough but you can armor yourself with a great support system through mentorship and teaming up with like-minded people
(3) Don’t stop when you see the price tag of the PhD program and seek programs that offer funding
(4) Make the most of your time during the PhD program through publications and networking
(5) Think of the endless possibilities of what your career would look like after getting your PhD in nursing. You never know where it will take you!
Are you considering a PhD in Nursing? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a question or comment below with your questions or experience. Let’s build a community of nurse scientist!
