title: Clinical practice of doctorally prepared nurses.
abstract: This study describes the clinical experiences of doctorally prepared nurses whose primary professional role is providing care as advanced practice nurses. Telephone interviews were conducted with 20 participants who lived and practiced in 13 states. Practice settings for these nurses included inpatient acute care and various outpatient/community health settings. Several themes describe the nature of the participants' practice: management of patient care, interwoven partnerships, leadership, and practice values. Major themes relating to the contribution of doctoral education to practice were abilities gained and changes in image and status. The findings of this study demonstrate that doctorally prepared nurses are actively involved in nursing practice by affecting patient outcomes, promoting cost-effective care, and using clinical research.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Nursing, Graduate Program, New Orleans, USA.
authors.forename: Y M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Sterling
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: McNally
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States