A Motivational Profile of Nurses Pursuing Doctoral Education

Background: Presently, less than 1% of the nursing workforce possesses a doctoral degree. Characteristics of nurses who seek doctoral education are poorly understood. This research describes the motivational orientation and factors of Registered Nurses (RN’s) pursuing doctoral education. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was utilized to examine concepts relating to the motivational orientation of Registered Nurses (RN’s) pursuing doctoral education. Participants included (1) RN’s seeking the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); and (2) RN’s pursuing the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). A total of 178 RN’s comprised the final sample. Results: Results of the study indicated that participants self-identified with the motivational orientation of intrinsic motivation-to know, a self-determined motivational orientation. Positive correlates included geographical locale, age and race. Conclusion: The innate benefits perceived by RN’s as reflected in the intrinsically motivated orientation provides insight into potential innovative strategies to recruit and retain RN’s seeking doctoral degrees.