The aim of this study was to describe the careers of PhD-prepared nurses and analyse leadership practices in the careers as well as support sources for the careers. The first phase comprised the analytics of leadership practices in the careers of PhD-prepared nurses using an interview study with 12 PhD-prepared nurses. Evaluation of a leadership and mentoring program was used to understand leadership practices in the careers and to determine if the program was a support sources for careers. A pre-post-test program evaluation was conducted among 30 participants using questionnaires. Also, focus group interviews were conducted among a convenience sample of 21 participants. The second phase aimed at the analytics of the careers and factors related to the careers including leadership practices in the careers and support sources for careers. An integrative literature review with 22 papers provided a theoretical overview and a cross-sectional survey study with 1308 PhD-prepared nurses was used to gain insight into the current careers and factors related to careers.

The results demonstrate PhD-prepared nurses working in a wide range of positions across different areas of nursing, with most working in positions with research and teaching responsibilities at institutions of higher education. Leadership practices were demonstrated with the aim to advance their careers and included taking initiative for planning and progressing careers. Careers and leadership practices can be supported through programs such as the Nurse-Lead leadership and mentoring program. Factors related to careers that can be influenced by individuals were intrinsic motivation, work-life balance, encountered workplace behaviours, and development of professional and leadership competencies. Support sources for careers included support from family and friends, collegial support, mentoring, educational programs, and organizational infrastructures for careers. The conclusion is that there is large variance in the careers, PhD-prepared nurses demonstrate leadership to advance careers, and there are various support sources for careers. This study provides recommendations for PhD-prepared nurses to lead their careers and recommendations for leaders of professional organizations to develop support sources. Future research is recommended to systematically monitor careers of PhD-prepared nurses and factors related to careers using representative samples