van Dongen, LisaSuidman, LisaHenriques, Maria AdrianaJónsdóttir, HelgaLeino-Kilpi, HelenaLuderer, ChristianeSuhonen, RiittaHafsteinsdóttir, Thóra B.2025-03-252025-03-252024van Dongen, L., Suidman, L., Henriques, M. A., Jónsdóttir, H., Leino-Kilpi, H., Luderer, C., Suhonen, R., & Hafsteinsdóttir, T. B. (2024). Improved professional competencies and leadership in PhD-prepared nurses and doctoral students after participating in the cross-national and web-based Nurse-Lead program. Nursing outlook, 72(2), 102144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024.1021441528-3968http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/57436Background: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-prepared nurses are expected to exercise leadership in their various roles. Therefore, European nurse scholars developed a cross-national web-based Nursing Leadership and Mentoring Educational (Nurse-Lead) program. Purpose: To evaluate changes in leadership practices, professional and research competencies as well as career development of PhD-prepared nurses and doctoral nursing students after participation in the Nurse-Lead program. Methods: A pre-post-test evaluation was conducted. Surveys addressed leadership, professional and research competencies, and career development. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Discussion: The 30 participants showed significant improvements in all leadership practices, professional competencies, and most research competencies. Participants reported increased confidence in decision-making, taking on new responsibilities, and becoming more visible within research teams. Conclusion: Web-based, international leadership and mentoring programs are promising tools for the leadership and professional development of PhD-prepared nurses and doctoral nursing students.engCareer developmentDoctoral nursing studentDoctorally prepared nurseLeadership developmentMentoringProfessional developmentArtigo científicohttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102144