Examining the Relationship Between Clinical Judgment and Nursing Actions in Prelicensure Students

Faculty frequently use the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) to identify students’ clinical judgment; however, it is unclear whether LCJR scores relate to appropriate nursing action. In a pilot study consisting of senior-level nursing students (N = 22), participants were scored on the LCJR and anticipated nursing actions, and results were analyzed using simple linear regression. There was a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.364) between clinical judgment and nursing action. Results suggest that total LCJR scores may be an indicator of the completion of indicated nursing action

Exploring the Pursuit of Doctoral Education by Nurses Seeking or Intending to Stay in Faculty Roles

The purpose of this study was to describe the factors influencing the pursuit and completion of doctoral education by nurses intending to seek or retain faculty roles. Traditionally, doctoral education evolved to focus on the preparation of nurses to conduct scientific research, primarily through the doctor of philosophy programs. Most recently, the doctor of nursing practice degree emerged and was designed for advanced practice nurses to be clinical leaders who translate research into practice and policy. Nurses who pursue doctoral education in order to assume or maintain faculty roles must choose between these degrees if they desire a doctorate within the discipline; however, factors influencing their decisions and the intended outcomes of their choice are not clear. During this study, 548 nurses (current students or recent graduates of doctoral programs) completed a comprehensive survey to generate critical evidence about the factors influencing the choices made. Principal findings are related to the issues of time, money, and program selection. These findings can be used to develop strategies to increase enrollment and, therefore, the number of doctorally prepared faculty who are specifically prepared to excel as nursing faculty