PhD - does it matter in which field?

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

Out of curiosity, aside from the new Doctorate of Nursing Practice, does it matter in which field your PhD is attained? I've seen some interesting programs and really haven't thought about what I'd do with the doctorate except teach. Would it be beneficial to earn a PhD in another field simply for the flexibility of career choices?

[llg, PhD, RN]

It does matter. Whether or not it would be a good idea for you or not depends on what type of career you would like to have. If you wish to be known as an expert in nursing, then it would be wise to get your doctorate in nursing. If you wish to be known as an expert in health administration ... or psych ... or whatever ... then you should get your doctorate in that field.

Back in the days when there were very few (or no) doctoral programs in nursing, nurses seeking doctoral education had no choice but to look outside of nursing. Even today, many nurses choose their doctoral programs based on convenience more than content. But as doctoral programs in nursing become more common, the nursing leadership is becoming increasingly educated in the field of nursing -- and NURSING scholarship is being increasingly expected of our nursing leaders.

That's not to say that there are not other options that might make sense for you. If you would like to add another field to your academic resume, that other degree will bring some additional opportunities -- but it will also limit your options a little within nursing.

Your choice will influence the direction of your career -- but that can be good or bad depending on what you want.

llg