Edreck D. Estioko
Philippine Heart Center, Philippines
Title: Assessing the motivations and barriers in pursuing doctoral education among Filipino nurses: Implications to professional development
Biography
Biography: Edreck D. Estioko
Abstract
This topic reflects the motivations and barriers in pursuing doctoral education among Filipino nurses who are currently employed in hospital or academic institutions. Mixed method of research had identified several pressing challenges of postgraduate endeavor which combine the demands of work, family and student roles. Within the framework of academic requirement, surmounting the doctoral journey may help propel nurses forward towards leadership roles in their career. The overarching goal of this study is to present a pivotal basis in strengthening the driving forces and eliminating the restraining forces purposely to promote professional development in nursing practice. While nurses are employed full-time either in hospital or academe, they may have varied view of the strongest motivations and barriers for postgraduate endeavor considering that age and professional practice are both important predictors of pursuing doctoral education. Strongest motivations include the desire to gain increased knowledge and skills, greater opportunity for career advancement and personal accomplishment. Meanwhile, barriers include situational, institutional and dispositional factors that hinder nurses to decide to further nursing education in the graduate school. With better appreciation of motivations and barriers in completing doctoral degree in Nursing, support mechanisms for staff development programs should be in place to afford professional development.