Roles and functions in clinical care for registered nurses with a PhD-A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Nurses are responsible for nursing care and their expertise is crucial for quality of care. One factor important to successful delivery of evidence-based care is availability of staff with the expertise to support their colleagues in this endeavour. RN/PhDs versed in scientific research with a thorough knowledge of their disciplines have the potential to help narrow the gap between theory and practice. The roles and functions of RN/PhDs involved in clinical care have not yet been well defined.

Aim: To explore publications concerning clinical contributions from registered nurses who hold a PhD (RN/PhDs) regarding impact on quality and improvement of care.

Method: A systematic literature review was conducted and qualitative content analysis was applied to the data obtained from the included studies.

Findings: The leadership role is considered essential for RN/PhDs, where the focus is on the pursuit of evidence-based practice and the improvement of nursing practices. The opportunity to combine the clinical and academic aspects of nursing is considered crucial in order for RN/PhDs to influence and improve care, yet few such positions are currently available. RN/PhDs cited limited career opportunities as one important reason for not combining clinical and academic work.

Conclusions: In order for nursing practice to reach full potential, clinical positions with clearly defined job descriptions for RN/PhDs are needed. To fully leverage their expertise, it is important to allocate sufficient time to conduct relevant research, as well as to support colleagues and students in the improvement of clinical practice.

Keywords: clinical practice; clinical research; doctoral degree; evidence-based practice; leadership; registered nurses; systematic literature review.