Doctoral Degree Preferences for Nurse Educators: Findings From a National Study.

BACKGROUND: Current doctoral degree options may not meet needs of nurses desiring educator roles in academic or health care settings. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess preferences for existing terminal degree options for nurse educators and determine the need for a new doctoral degree in nursing education. METHOD: Nurses in practice, academia, and leadership nationwide (n = 826) answered a 19-item needs assessment survey regarding adequacy of and interest in terminal degree options. RESULTS: More than 60% reported current doctoral degrees available to nurse educators lack content in curriculum development and teaching-learning best practices in nursing. Most data supported a new terminal degree. CONCLUSION: A primary factor in nurses choosing not to enroll in a terminal degree program may be limited availability of education aligned with career goals. The doctor of nursing education, a practice degree parallel to the DNP, could prepare nurses for academic and practice educator roles.

An Internet-Assisted Weight Loss Intervention for Older Overweight and Obese Rural Women: A Feasibility Study.

Older Appalachian women are an understudied population with few resources available to prevent obesity and chronic disease. This study explored the feasibility of a 12-week weight loss intervention using Internet technology for older rural Appalachian women. The sample (N = 24) included women 55 years or older recruited from two senior centers in the Appalachian region. The women were randomly assigned to either an Internet program called "Lose It" (Internet program for recording of daily calories and physical activity) or to a daily wellness program (health tips) delivered via e-mail. The mean age of participants was 69 ± 8 years. Their mean body mass index (kg/m) at baseline was 34.2 ± 8. A significant difference (P = .036) was observed between intervention and control group scores on the Social Pressure Subscale. Both groups improved their intake of fruits and vegetables and lost weight from baseline to week 12. Internet weight loss programs appear feasible for older rural women. Internet-delivered weight loss interventions that provide a way to record daily calories, physical activity, and weight may provide a technology platform leading to increased self-efficacy for weight loss.