Kathy Holloway

Doctor of Nursing

Research interests: Specialist nursing practice frameworks; workforce planning; nursing education
Current employment: Associate Dean of Faculty of Health, Whitireia Community Polytechnic, New Zealand

What motivated you to undertake a research program?
Insatiable curiosity and a desire to offer some order in specialist nursing practice development for New Zealand

Why did you choose UTS?
I completed my BN there as a registered nurse in 1991 and valued the faculty that taught me then immensely so wanted to work with them again. My choice was also based upon my desire to complete a professional doctorate rather than a more traditional PhD.

What did you personally gain from your studies?
I appreciated the advanced research training both through coursework and through my supervisory relationships and the opportunity to network with colleagues form across Australia and New Zealand. My thinking has definitely developed and changed though this process which continues to be intellectually challenging and rewarding.

What was it like to be a research student at UTS?
The sense of a community of practice is strong both within my doctoral group and faculty, who are approachable as colleagues to work through research puzzles.

Is there any advice you would give to students who are studying this program?
Form a strong network with your doctoral group – this has supported me through the inevitable trials and challenges of working full time and studying part time.
Be aspirational but realistic about your targets and set small goals each semester and reward yourself for achieving them!

What was your research topic and what did you discover?
I wanted to develop the key elements for a national specialist nursing framework for NZ – this is still in progress but to date I have a preliminary model for testing with a specialist nursing group.

What do you intend to do after you complete your degree?
Once the rejoicing has finished – to write more and work with specialist groups to develop articulations that are useful for their practice.