Development of Nursing Theory: Doctoral Programs: Criticism, Problems, Beliefs, Solutions

Abstract

With the total lack of Canadian doctoral programs in nursing how will development of nursing theory progress in Canada? To find a perspective from which to explore this question I have chosen a philosophical model (l) which views the concerns of any particular profession as a series of criticisms, problems, beliefs, and solutions which have sequential changes in pattern over time. I have added to the original model a subsection entitled "Background to the Problem" which will be inserted directly after the Problem Statement. Five series of criticisms, problems, beliefs and solutions will be presented. SERIES I Criticisms: A certain percentage of nurses who take doctorates in other disciplines do not return to nursing (Pitel and Vian, 1975, p. 348). In Canada only 60% of the employed nurses with earned doctoral degrees are known to be working in the field of nursing (Zilm, LaRose and Stinson, 1979, p. 65). Moreover the nurses who do return to nursing have to go through a "resocialization process" and adapt to the "necessary value shifts" (American Nurses Association, 1974, p. 1) between the discipline selected for doctoral study and the discipline of nursing.