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Since the latter part of 20thcentury, doctoral programs began in nursing in different parts of the world. It has been stated that innovative doctoral programs should be connected to units’ research programs and must involve international collaboration and multidisciplinary expertise (AACN 2010, Kim et al. 2015). Doctorally prepared nursing experts are crucial to the development of societies and health services as well as to advancement of the discipline of Nursing. Still, the development of post doctoral career pathways is extremely important. Unfortunately, systematic, well-organized post-doctoral training programs have been missing in many countries in Europe, including Finland. This has been noted by many professional organizations such as European Academy of Nursing Science (EANS), Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) and the International Network for Doctoral Education in Nursing (INDEN). The purpose of this talk is to give an overview of a systematic project in advancing post-postdoctoral education between Finland, other European countries and USA.
In 2013, an urgent need was recognized in Finland to develop a post-doctoral education program by strong collaboration between Finnish and US nursing experts in academia. This program was supported by Finland’s over 30-year history in doctoral education in nursing. Doctoral education has been organized in nursing and health sciences since 1979 and the first doctoral degree in the country was awarded in 1984 in Kuopio. Since 1984, a total over 100 students have completed their doctoral degree at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF, Kuopio).
European and Finnish higher education and research strategies called for more systematic researcher’s career development after doctoral degree (Research Careers 2010, Report on Mapping Exercise 2011). Our aim was to develop a two-year post-doctoral training program in Nursing Science at the University of Eastern Finland to expand the research skills and have guided experiences related to the research programs of the department. The post doctoral program was designed to be an individualized experience, meaning it takes into consideration the interests, background, and competencies of the fellow and the aims and objectives of the research program. The fellow meets regularly with the mentor who provides ongoing guidance to her/him. The aims of the program were: 1) to expand knowledge and skills relevant to the trainee's research interests, 2) conduct preliminary studies and prepare a research proposal to be submitted for extramural funding, 3) produce manuscripts for submission, 4) expand skills relevant to interdisciplinary and international collaboration in research and scholarship, 5) be knowledgeable about the tenure track positions at the department as well as, various other future employment opportunities and 6) promote skills to lead a research project.
A preliminary plan was completed in 2013 by favorable funding from the university (UEF) and support from a US colleague. Preliminary post doctoral program planning was fruitful and opened possibilities for strong funding from European Union program Horizon 2020 with partners from Europe and University of Pittsburgh, USA. The four year research and innovation program including career training will start in 2015.
Literature:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2010. The Research-focused doctoral program in nursing. Pathways to excellence. Report from the AACN task force on the research-focused doctorate in nursing. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/phdposition.pdf
Kim MJ. , Park GG, McKenna H, Ketefian S et. al. 2015. Quality of nursing doctoral education in seven countries: survey of faculty and students/graduates. Journal of Advanced Nursing doi: 10.1111/jan.12606.
Report of Mapping Exercise on Doctoral Training in Europe. (2011). ERA Steering Group on Human Resources and Mobility. Retrieved http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/pdf/research_policies/Report_of Mapping_Exercise_on_Doctoral_Training_FINAL.pdf.
Research Careers in Europe Landscape and Horizons. (2010) European Science Foundation.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2010. The Research-focused doctoral program in nursing. Pathways to excellence. Report from the AACN task force on the research-focused doctorate in nursing. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/phdposition.pdf
Kim MJ. , Park GG, McKenna H, Ketefian S et. al. 2015. Quality of nursing doctoral education in seven countries: survey of faculty and students/graduates. Journal of Advanced Nursing doi: 10.1111/jan.12606.
Report of Mapping Exercise on Doctoral Training in Europe. (2011). ERA Steering Group on Human Resources and Mobility. Retrieved http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/pdf/research_policies/Report_of Mapping_Exercise_on_Doctoral_Training_FINAL.pdf.
Research Careers in Europe Landscape and Horizons. (2010) European Science Foundation.