Wildcat Nurse Spotlight: PhD Candidate Zhizhong “Z” Li
Meet Zhizhong “Z” Li, third year University of Arizona College of Nursing PhD candidate. A dedicated scholar with a drive to succeed, Li will be doing not one but three podium presentations at this years’ Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) conference. A current assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, Orvis School of Nursing (where he is also Assistant Dean, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), Li is a certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. His academic and research passion focuses on addressing healthcare disparities and stigma among vulnerable populations, human dynamics in nursing academia and practice, and implicit bias and equity issues.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in nursing?
I ventured into the nursing field by accident. My friend asked me to take a summer class with her, and she picked a CNA class. I did not know what nursing was all about. During the clinical, something just clicked. I enjoyed taking care of people. The feeling of helping others at their vulnerable times was very rewarding, so I decided to pursue a career in nursing.
“I enjoyed taking care of people. The feeling of helping others at their vulnerable times was very rewarding, so I decided to pursue a career in nursing," ~ Zhizhong “Z” Li, UArizona Nursing PhD student
What drew you to apply to UArizona's PhD program?
I decided to apply because I was convinced this program is the best fit for my PhD studies. The PhD program at the University of Arizona covers various focused areas of research excellence. The entire PhD program coursework is online, which is vital for nonlocal students like me. The Data and Systems Science track caught my eye because I enjoy technology and data-driven decision-making. The nursing faculty are from diverse backgrounds with amazing career achievements.
How would you describe your experience over the course of the program?
My experience throughout the program has been positive. I enjoy the content of the different courses. I appreciate that faculty are very supportive and incorporate various styles and techniques in teaching delivery. They are also very open to students' feedback and willing to adjust teaching strategies accordingly. The program is well-organized overall, with clear and timely communications. The student support services are instrumental in student success.
What is the focus of your research interests?
I am interested in human dynamics in healthcare. One specific focus is the contributing factors associated with acute care nurse leader turnover intention.
What has been the most meaningful part of your studies?
The most meaningful part of my studies is witnessing my self-growth as a new researcher. It is truly amazing to realize how much I have learned.
What has been your greatest takeaway from the program?
My greatest takeaway from the program is that it takes a great deal to become an established researcher. In the journey of PhD studies, each small step forward is a win. Consistency and tenacity will eventually lead to success.
Can you tell us a bit more about the three different poster presentations you will be doing at WIN?
I have three abstracts accepted for podium presentations at the WIN conference this year. The first one is a scoping review that maps the current knowledge about the factors leading to turnover intention among nurse leaders in the acute care setting. The second abstract is a research project that aims to examine the prevalence of turnover intention among nurse leaders in acute care hospitals, explore the characteristics of nurse leaders who intend to leave their position, and examine the relationships between the characteristics and nurse leader turnover intention. The third abstract is a process improvement project exploring innovative teaching strategies fostering inclusive excellence in undergraduate nursing clinical education.
What has your experience been with the nurse faculty loan program?
My experience has been very positive. The financial support through this program is substantial for me to complete the PhD study. Our college has a very structured approach to help the students with the NFLP process. There was a detailed presentation on NFLP each semester. The content delivery was very well organized and easy to understand. Students also had opportunities to have their questions answered. The program requires the students to complete specific courses focusing on faculty training. Even though I had already been employed as nursing faculty before entering the program, the knowledge and skills gained through those courses are very beneficial to my professional development.
Tell us about your post-graduation plans.
I currently work as nursing faculty. After graduation, I plan to remain in nursing academia and continue to grow as a nursing researcher with a long-term goal of conducting interventional research.