The Simultaneous Experiences of Being a Nurse Faculty Member and PhD Student: A Phenomenological Inquiry.

The demand for nursing faculty with doctoral degrees has prompted universities to devise strategies to hasten doctoral preparation. Insufficient preparation of nursing faculty negatively impacted the ability of colleges of nursing to enroll qualified applicants. In 2011, 75,000 applicants were turned away (AACN, 2012). Interview data from 11 participants were analyzed for themes and structure of meanings that led to a description of the essence of the phenomenon. Six related themes revealed the experiences of simultaneously being a nurse faculty member and PhD student. Starck's (2004) Middle Range Theory of Meaning provided a framework for gaining a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. The findings revealed the obstacles, sacrifices, pain, and rewards of being a nurse faculty member and PhD student simultaneously. The participants embraced numerous positive aspects including personal and professional growth. Therefore, understanding this experience is fundamental in eliciting support for the journey towards a PhD.