DOCTORAL EDUCATION IN NURSING - EVALUATION OF A NONTRADITIONAL PROGRAM OPTION

Selected outcomes of an intensive, summer-only doctoral program in nur sing were assessed using quantitative and qualitative data obtained fr om program-specific questionnaires and Educational Testing Service (ET S) Graduate Program Self-Assessment (GPSA) student and faculty questio nnaires. Students evaluated the overall program as successful, satisfy ing, and stimulating, but also as stressful. Educational interventions to ameliorate student stress did not impact student evaluations of re ported stress levels. Comparisons of summer-only and regular academic year students showed no differences in demographics, although differen ces between groups were found in long-term goals. Overall ETS question naire data were consistent with the Holzemer and Chambers (1986) basel ine data for schools of nursing and showed no unusual patterns or tren ds. Summer-only and regular program student ratings were similar on al l ETS scales.