title: Clinical nurses' perceptions and expectations of the role of doctorally-prepared nurses: a qualitative study in Iran.
abstract: Nurses with doctorates are increasing in number throughout the world, yet the multitude of roles they play following graduation is unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe clinical nurses' perceptions and expectations of the role of doctorally-prepared nurses in Iran. A qualitative study, using a content analysis approach was conducted with 43 clinical nurses chosen using a purposive sampling strategy. Oral, semi-structured and written interviews were used to generate data. During data analysis, three main themes emerged; "advantages of the doctoral degree", "clarification of doctorally-prepared nurses' role in clinical practice", and "unmet expectations of doctorally-prepared nurses". An understanding of the expectations of nurses on the role of doctorally-prepared nurses is needed to improve the collaboration between clinical nurses and doctorally-prepared nurses; remove misunderstandings on the abilities and skills of doctorally-prepared nurses; incorporate the expectations into doctoral education in order to facilitate their collaboration; and also remove the theory and practice gap through the utilisation of doctorally-prepared nurses' knowledge and skills in practice.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Eastern-Nosrat Street, Touhid Square, PO. Box 1419733171, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: mcheraghi@tums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Mohammad-Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cheraghi
authors.affiliation: College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Room 142, Vivian Tower, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. Electronic address: m.a.jasper@swansea.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jasper
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Professional Studies, University of Nordland, Bodø, Norway. Electronic address: mojtaba.vaismoradi@uin.no.
authors.forename: Mojtaba
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vaismoradi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000592:standards*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Clinical practice; Nurses; Nursing programme; Qualitative research