Postdoctoral nurses leadership and professional development experiences in education: A qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Although nurses are the largest professional group in the healthcare sector, nurses holding academic leadership positions are lacking and the infrastructure in nursing science and research is limited and fragile. Performing leadership is important in shaping organizational culture and has a positive influence on various societal and patient outcomes. A large group of postdoctoral nurses works in education in Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). Working in education requires new leadership skills. These nurses need support to create a new identity and socialization into the organization. Knowledge about leadership and professional development of postdoctoral nurses is limited. Research question How do postdoctoral nurses working in research and education at Dutch UAS experience their leadership and professional development? Methods This study had an explorative qualitative design and used a generic approach. Data were collected through 14 semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed, using thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke. Results The following themes were identified: leadership development and professional development. Most postdoctoral nurses see themselves as leaders on their own area of expertise. The postdoctoral nurses aimed to improve healthcare in general. Due to a lack of postdoctoral positions, working below educational attainment and underpayment participants had switched jobs. Conclusion The Dutch infrastructure in nursing science and research is still limited and frail. The postdoctoral nurses experienced difficulties to develop a postdoctoral position, due to a lack of postdoctoral positions and education had always priority. Postdoctoral nurses are working in functions beneath their level and are underpaid. Combining education and research is challenging but also is beneficial to motivate the students for research. Recommendations The findings of this study may have various implications. It should be a priority to foster postdoctoral nurses. Facilities should be providing to conduct their own research.