Using a nursing theory or a model in nursing PhD dissertations: a qualitative study from Turkey

Purpose: The aim of this study was to reveal experiences of nursing students and their advisors using theories and models in their PhD dissertations.

Methods: The study adopted a descriptive qualitative approach. This study was performed with 10 PhD candidates and their five advisors from nursing faculty.

Results: The results of the study were categorized into four. These are reasons for using a theory/model in a PhD dissertation, reasons for preferring a given model, causes of difficulties in using models in PhD dissertations, and facilitating factors of using theories and models in PhD of dissertations.

Conclusions: It was also reported to contribute to the methodology of research and professional development of the students and advisors.