A cross-sectional study of career paths for Swedish registered nurses with a doctoral degree: When aspirations and possibilities collide

Abstract

Registered nurses with a doctoral degree are important for the quality of care, nursing education, and nursing research. Still, postgraduate career paths are criticized for being too vague. To enable career path development, mapping of the current situation appears fundamental. The objective was therefore to chart the current professional positions and work conditions and to explore the future career aspirations of registered nurses with a doctoral degree in Sweden. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted including 118 participants, all nurses with a doctoral degree earned between 2016 and 2022. This study is reported in accordance with STROBE. The participants reported a significant change from hospital-based positions before doctoral studies, towards university-based positions after graduation. This is clearly in contrast to their expressed aspiration to hold a shared position, remaining in contact with the clinical context. In conclusion, a national collaboration is needed and wanted regarding career opportunities for registered nurses with a doctoral degree in Sweden. Furthermore, career paths within nursing science need to be established within the clinical context.