Exploring the role complexity and workforce needs of doctoral-prepared nurses

Abstract

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Nursing Services (ONS) is committed to encouraging and sustaining a positive culture that values doctoral-prepared nurses. Responding to needs cited in open-ended responses from the first ever survey of VHA's doctoral-prepared nurse workforce will require: providing and encouraging formal advanced degree achievement recognition; further opportunities for professional development and potential promotion; and support for nurse research activities at the local and national level. ONS recognizes the need for further research and evaluation related to VHA doctoral-prepared nurses to better understand both the outcomes they drive and what drives them.

Keywords: Commentary; Doctoral-prepared; Future research; Veterans health administration; Workforce.