Many individuals in the health sector have discovered the benefits of getting a PHD in order to land a well-paying and satisfying job. Nursing PHDs, particularly, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ability to enhance the students’ knowledge not only in the field of medical practice but also research and leadership, preparing them to take over high ranking administrative jobs in hospitals.

The following are some of the reasons why so much emphasis is being laid on nurses acquiring their PHD in nursing and the reason why I decided to get one myself.

1.       Exciting research positions

Getting a PHD in nursing avails you the opportunity to get involved in exciting research work. Research is the ingredient behind the growth of every medical practice including nursing and being involved in it is a great way to make your mark. There is also a lot that you can learn from such research work that will make you a more rounded nurse.

2.       Leveling the playing field

Many people assume that nurses pursue the career because the schooling is much less grueling than it is for doctors, but this is not necessarily the case. There are many nurses who are in the field simply because of their passion and desire to practice nursing but they hardly get the respect they deserve. A PHD would, however, go a long way to level the playing field between doctors and nurses and allow them the chance to be treated as equals.

3.       Ability to teach

There are many nurses who would love the opportunity to impart some invaluable knowledge and insight on training nurses, but in the current age many programs require one to have a doctorate before they land a teaching position. If you really want to influence the nursing field by teaching then it is advisable to earn your PHD. This also avails a way to add some extra income, something everyone needs in the current economic climate.

4.       Expansion in the field of nursing

There are major breakthroughs and discoveries that are taking place in the medical field every other day and the nursing profession is no exception. This is the reason why there are so many medical conferences where medical practitioners can learn from one another. More than ever, in order to keep up with the fast paced changes in the nursing field, it is important to earn your PHD.

This is important especially for people who underwent their training some time back. There is a very real possibility of their knowledge being rendered out of date if they do not take the time to learn more.

5.       Exciting new positions

Most senior nursing jobs are now being reserved only for highly trained nurses, those who have their PHD. It is not sufficient to only have years of experience, a PHD will put you ahead of the pack when it comes to such positions as nursing manager, chief nurse anesthetist, associate professor and even professor of nursing.

These are some of the reasons why I decided to get my PHD in nursing and I would recommend it to any nurse who wants to improve their knowledge and chances of promotion in the field of nursing.