Perhaps more so than in any other nursing specialty, public health nursing brings a broad base of preparation to its science. Specialty research preparation among our ranks includes epidemiologists, professional doctorates in public health, and a wide variety of methodological experts in population-focused research approaches. With the development of the PhD in nursing has come yet another strategy that has the potential to simultaneously increase both the depth and breadth of our science. Such diversity, multiplicity of ontologies, and expansive belief systems puts us in an enviable position in the new millennium to lead the way in research which will target health promotion and disease prevention.
Diversity and multiplicity of interests are exactly what is needed to continue to prepare public health nursing researchers who are capable of developing a science focus on the health potential of populations. Single or stand alone academic institutions are no longer adequate to provide the breadth of multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary coursework for collateral programs of studies necessary to accommodate the variety of research interests or the complexity of the research agenda within our discipline. What is needed for the new millennium are programs which are multi-institutional with both on-site and distance learning capabilities. Such strategies will insure a research base capable of charting a sophisticated and front runner approach in the development of our science.
Learning Objectives: To introduce new ideas about doctoral education in PHN. To stimulate discussion about doctoral level research. To encourage the development of research questions in PHN
Keywords: Research, Public Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.