School is in for new PhD nursing students
They’ve been oriented to the school, met faculty and staff, and now they’re well into coursework.
Students enrolled in the School of Nursing’s new PhD in nursing program are excited to be part of this inaugural group.
While their backgrounds are diverse and varied – everything from nursing education, cardiovascular nursing, injury prevention, for example – these four students have at least one thing in common. They each have undergraduate nursing degrees from Memorial.
“I completed my bachelor and masters’ degrees at Memorial and received an excellent nursing education,” said Kathleen Stevens, a nursing educator with a specialty in advanced foot care. “As an alumnus I am pleased to be back to complete my PhD studies. The education I have completed thus far has enabled me to work in many areas of nursing, and I’m looking forward to building on that knowledge.”
“I’m excited about the cohort of students we’ve recruited. They bring rich and varied perspectives to the program,” said Dr. Judith McFetridge-Durdle, who is completing her tenure as dean. “We’ll learn as much from them as they will from us.”
For the School of Nursing, and for Dr. McFetridge-Durdle, it’s a proud moment. After years of behind-the-scenes work to bring the program to fruition, Memorial takes its place along with 14 other faculties and school of nursing that offer PhD education.
“It is evidence that the school is prepared to contribute to the academy by producing doctoral-prepared scholars, educators, researchers and leaders,” said Dr. McFetridge-Durdle.
The School of Nursing’s new PhD program is full-time, and on-site, and that sets it apart from other PhD programs, most of which are offered part-time and via distance.
“We’re a small school, and full-time, face-to-face time offers students a unique opportunity to learn from each other, and to form close mentoring relationships with their supervisors,” said McFetridge-Durdle, who counts the program’s launch as a highlight of her four years as dean.
“The School of Nursing at Memorial has excellent nurse researchers who will provide exemplary leadership to PhD students,” says student Denise English. “I’m looking forward to gaining and contributing fresh perspectives in many areas of research throughout the PhD program.
Dr. McFetridge-Durdle credits the hard work and leadership of Dr. Shirley Solberg, former associate dean of Graduate Studies and Research at the school, along with the PhD planning committee, for bringing the program to life.
Having a home-grown PhD program means a lot to the new students, who may not have otherwise considered PhD studies.
“I’m able to pursue my PhD in Newfoundland and still be with my family,” said Jill Bruneau, a nurse practitioner who has a background in cardiovascular health and disease.
These students recognize the value of having PhD-educated nurses in the province and across the country.
“Very few nurses in Canada are prepared at the doctoral level, and that advanced education is needed to advance nursing knowledge, skills and evidence based/informed practice, “ said Darlene Ricketts, who has most recently worked in the area of injury prevention and chronic disease self-management at the provincial level.
The program will also help attract and retain PhD-prepared faculty, something that is getting more difficult as PhD faculty are in high demand across the country, and 50 per cent of the faculty are over the age of 50 years.
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