Any RNs have a Phd and don't know what to do with it?

[InfectiousDiseaseRN]

I recently finished my PhD in Public Health and have been an RN for several years. I am now searching for my dream job! I ain't no spring chicken either! Just wanted to know what some of you are doing with your credentials.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Haha. Rarely, but I know a nurse in our neuro ICU has his PhD, teaches part time and does research. The editor (IIRC) of the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing is also a PhD that does research and works as a clinical nurse in a neuro ICU.

Wish it was similar to medicine, where attendings many times maintain clinical practice and a research practice.

That's where #1 from my earlier post comes into play. Those medical attendings are making big bucks at the bedside.

[MurseJJ]

That's where #1 from my earlier post comes into play. Those medical attendings are making big bucks at the bedside.

It seems to me that the CNS would be the nursing equivalent of the "attending", being an expert in traditional nursing practice, clinical consultation, and research/EBP/QI roles.

I have seen a number of inpatient NP positions that advertise not only clinical practice but also participation in research/clinical trials. I wonder how that actually plays out though.

[llg, PhD, RN]

It seems to me that the CNS would be the nursing equivalent of the "attending", being an expert in traditional nursing practice, clinical consultation, and research/EBP/QI roles.

I have seen a number of inpatient NP positions that advertise not only clinical practice but also participation in research/clinical trials. I wonder how that actually plays out though.

That's kind'a what I have always thought, too. But the CNS role has traditionally been with an MSN degree -- now DNP, too -- but I haven't seen too many PhD's practicing as CNS's. I did something similar for a while (combining CNS with Staff Development) with my PhD, but moved further away from the bedside as time went on.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to General Nursing.