Bulletin 2000-2002

School of Nursing Nursing School (NU)
1111 Middle Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107
Undergraduate Information: (317) 274-2806
Graduate Information: (317) 274-2806
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Ph.D. in Nursing Science Program

The Doctor of Philosophy program, which builds on baccalaureate nursing education, is based on the beliefs that professional nursing is a scientific discipline and that it has a unique role and body of knowledge. This body of knowledge can be expanded, applied, and validated through recognized methods of scholarly inquiry. As students progress through the program, they become socialized to the value of research and interdisciplinary inquiry, and acquire the skills necessary to conduct independent research.

The primary goal of the Doctor of Philosophy of Nursing Science program at Indiana University School of Nursing is the preparation of scholars in the following fields of study: environments for health, acute and chronic health problems, health promotion, and family health adaptation. Graduates will create and disseminate to the public new knowledge related to these fields of study. Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program, graduates will be able to

  1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing as well as from the biological and behavioral sciences to investigate health phenomena relevant to the discipline of nursing;

  2. Utilize analytical and empirical methods to extend nursing knowledge and scholarship;

  3. Independently conduct and communicate research that advances the body of scientific nursing knowledge;

  4. Defend the social significance of the expanded knowledge base of nursing;

  5. Interpret nursing science within an interdisciplinary context.

Admission Requirements

The following criteria must be met for admission consideration:
  1. Successful completion of a baccalaureate in nursing or master of science in nursing from a program within a regionally accredited institution of higher education (Indiana University School of Nursing faculty retain the right to determine acceptable accreditation status of nursing programs from which applicants have graduated.)

  2. A baccalaureate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For applicants holding a master’s degree, a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is required. (The master’s degree GPA will supersede the baccalaureate GPA.)

  3. Completion of a 3 credit hour statistics course with a grade of B (3.0) or higher within seven years before the date of proposed enrollment.

  4. The ability to secure current registered nurse licensure in Indiana. Applicants whose program of study will not require contact with patients may be exempted from the licensure requirement by the IUSON’s director of doctoral studies.

  5. Competitive scores (600 or better) on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination (taken in the last five years).

  6. A score of 600 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for students whose first language is not English. A test of written English is also required.

  7. A two- to three-page essay summarizing immediate and long-range professional goals and a proposed area of research.

  8. An example of original scholarship or research in nursing, as demonstrated by a report, published and unpublished papers, or a thesis.

  9. Three references, including at least one from a nurse faculty member who has knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability from undergraduate or master’s work.

  10. An interview with a member(s) of the Doctoral Studies Advisory Committee (arranged by the school).

  11. A letter of support from a nursing faculty member with full graduate faculty status, who has agreed to be a research mentor.

Study and Research Focus Areas

Students will pursue study and related research in one of four focus areas: acute and chronic health problems, environments for health, family health adaptation, and health promotion. These focus areas were chosen on the basis of faculty research strengths and the funding priorities of the National Institute of Nursing Research. The program is not designed to meet every need, but to prepare graduates with skills in the areas of faculty strength.

Acute and Chronic Health Problems

Individuals who have acute or chronic health problems often need intervention to facilitate management of the specific problem. Intervention may focus on influencing the behavior of the patient as well as the behavior of the caregiver. To that end, nurse researchers in this focus area examine human responses to acute and chronic health problems and the factors that influence these responses; individual and group factors that contribute to or influence the course of health problems; and the effectiveness of the nursing therapeutics used in the care of persons with health problems.

Phenomena related to acute and chronic health problems currently being studied by School of Nursing faculty include the following:

Environments for Health

Environments that influence health and the delivery of health care, both in traditional health care settings and in the community, are the topics in this area. Pertinent studies include factors in environments that influence the health of groups, as well as studies of the environments in which health care is delivered; the emphasis is on the system and how it affects individuals. Research in this area is particularly relevant at a time when more health care is being moved from acute care facilities to community-based settings, creating a demand for a better understanding of the evolving systems needed to deliver care effectively and efficiently.

Examples of research being conducted at the School of Nursing in the area of environments for health include studies on the following:

Family Health Adaptation

Nursing’s acknowledgment that no one lives in isolation and of the importance of the person-environment fit forms the philosophical base for this focus area. All individuals live within a social system of significant others. Although the term "family" has evolved through the years and sometimes seems to defy universal definition, the notion of nurturing relationships—regardless of specific life stage or lifestyle—is central to human existence and plays a critical role in health promotion, maintenance, and treatment. Research in this area explores the family dimensions of health and adaptation by focusing on "family" as the unit of care rather than on individuals in the context of family. These dimensions include family development, family definition of health, family access to health care, family support to sick individuals, and the impact of health problems on the family.

Phenomena related to family health adaptation currently being studied by School of Nursing faculty include the following:

Health Promotion

Nursing involves a commitment to health promotion, disease prevention, and health restoration with an emphasis on the "whole" person and encouragement of self-help. This focus area emphasizes research that builds on those beliefs and examines the relationship between the physiological and behavioral aspects of health. The focus is on nursing’s role in helping individuals to monitor and improve their health and quality of life. Studies examine human behaviors related to health promotion, factors that influence health-seeking behaviors, and interventions that promote optimal health for individuals by influencing health behaviors.

Work related to health promotion currently in progress at the School of Nursing includes studies on the following: