GuIDE to DegreeSM

Can't decide on a DNP or PHD? We're here to explain your options.

About

Are you considering applying for a Doctoral program? Not sure which program is right for you?

The Guiding Initiative for Doctoral Education, (GuIDE), is a program to guide and support Advanced Practice Nurses as you consider moving forward with your career development.

The GuiDE to DegreeSM program fosters and supports this cadre of pre-doctoral students toward successful admission into doctoral programs and result in an increased number of doctorally-prepared nurse faculty.

The GuiDE to Degree program is a uniquely crafted program for pre-doctoral health professionals. Participants will gain the maneuverability between practice and academe, be recognized for practice-based accomplishments, and experience the collegiality and collaborative skills needed to begin on their career paths from BSN to doctoral degree.

Articles & Publications

Awards

2018 Innovation in Education Award; Peoples Choice - National Capital Region Uniformed Services University

Media

What It Is

The GuIDE to Degree Bootcamp offers one and a half days of interactive discussion with colleagues and expert faculty on the distinct differences in the two major Doctoral education opportunities: DNP and PhD.

Discussion on how to choose the optimal doctoral program/university for you
"Must-Do's" to maximize your application strengths
Impact of strong mentorship teams
Balancing family/work/school demands

Recent Appearances/Presentations

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On July 9th we were excited to participate in the Maryland Higher Education Commission's Nurse Support II Program (NSII) interactive workshop at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Several Higher Education Institutions including University of Maryland, Salisbury University, Coppin State University, and Morgan State University's School of Community Health and Policy participated. The five-hour workshop offered an opportunity for participants to learn more about doctoral programs across Maryland. Click here to see our presentation.

Past Participants

These are just some of the comments from past participants ...
"Loved it! The whole topic was broken down into manageable pieces to help process a very serious life altering decision.".
"The most valuable elements were, the availability of the faculty, and the sense of community created among the attendees."
"Prior to attending the graduate workshop, I was unsure of my options to obtain a PhD or DNP. In addition, I had no idea, which program to choose, .... I learned a great deal about the differences between the DNP and PhD, which I am now able to select wisely on my educational path. The eye opener for me was the self-SWOT analysis on my weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities. This was truly an eye opener exercise."
"I left there feeling as if the mental barriers to furthering my education were beginning to lift."
"I had doubt about myself being not smart enough to get accepted for a DNP before attending the workshop, but through discussion about barriers, my confidence certainly increased for being successful to get in the program and get it done."
"Prior to this program, I thought I would pursue the DNP, but I discovered that the PhD program was a better fit! I was also concerned about money for scholarship, but the presentation highlighted many different avenues for covering the costs. I was surrounded by colleagues who are also interested in doctoral education, so having a cohort and academic team who can provide support and bolstering was very encouraging!"

Who We Are

Laura A. Taylor, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Dr. Laura Taylor received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing from the University of Maryland School of Nursing.  She received her PhD from the Catholic University of America School of Nursing, and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
Dr. Taylor is an expert in the use of computer-based information technologies to advance both research and education She is a recipient of Faculty of the Year Awards, Outstanding Dissemination of Health Information Award from the Maryland Nursing Association,  Health Information Technology Scholar (National League for Nursing. Dr. Taylor is a Professor in the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. She is a Academy of Nurse Educators Fellow (ANEF), a Fellow in the American Academy of Nurses (FAAN), and President-Elect of the International Transplant Nursing Society (INTS).

    Contact Us

Send us an email to find out when the GuIDE is near you!

GuIDE to DegreeSM

Can't decide on a DNP or PHD? We're here to explain your options.

Conferences & Presentations

National

  • 2017 - GuIDE: An innovative program to facilitate  nurses pursuit of doctoral education. National League for Nursing, Education Summit, San Diego, CA  (Podium, Sept. 2017; Refereed); Taylor, L.A., McNelis, A., Mark, H. & Terhaar, M.F.
  • 2017 -Guiding nurses through complex decisions and  preparation for doctoral education. TriService Nursing Research Program Annual Conference,  Ellicott City MD (Podium, April 2017, Refereed); Terhaar, M.F., Pierce, P. & Taylor, L.A.
  • 2014 - A GuIDING Initiative to Increase Applicants for Doctoral Education.  Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing: DNP from Start-Up to Impact. Invited speaker (July, 2014); Taylor, LA, Terhaar, M., Mark, H. & McNelis, A.
  • 2014 - DNP National Conference: From Start-Up to Impact; Co-Chairs, ​Terhaar, M.F.; Sylvia, M. & Taylor, L.A.
  • 2013 - Guiding One Another on the Road to DoctoralEducation: Early Successes of a Bootcamp for Doctoral Education. Drexel University: Driving          Quality in Advanced  Practice and Doctoral Education Conference. (Refereed, 60 min Workshop;  November 7, 2013); Taylor, LA, Terhaar, M., & McNelis, A.

International

  • 2016 - Supporting ITNS  Members in Aligning, Building and Advancing their Careers. International Transplant Nursing Society, 25th Annual Anniversary Symposium (Refereed, 3 hour workshop; Pittsburgh, PA, Oct.  2016); Taylor, L.A., Russell, C., Lockwood, M., Pantik, C., Billik, J. & Hathaway, D.
  • 2015 - A Successful GuIDE to Doctoral Education. (Refereed podium, 2015 NLN Education Summit. Accepted for Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 2015); Taylor, L.A., Mark, H., McNelis, A. & Terhaar, M.F.
  • 2015 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Doctoral verses Master’s Preparation?   (Refereed podium, Accepted for 24th Annual International Transplant Nursing    Symposium, Chicago, Ill. June, 2015); Taylor, LA & Russell, C.
  • 2014 - GuIDE ™  Helping Advanced practice transplant nurses in their pursuits of doctoral education. (Podium, Accepted for 23rd   Annual International Transplant Nursing Symposium, Houston, Texas, Sept. 2014); Taylor, L.A., Mark, H., McNelis, A. & Terhaar, M.F.