The nursing faculty shortage: Is there hope?

Abstract

The present nursing faculty shortage is linked to the general nursing shortage. Without enough nurse educators to teach the increasing number of nurses that are needed, the health of U.S. residents is at stake. This article examines progress made on solutions proposed over the past decade such as increasing graduate and certificate programs for nurse educators, more aggressive recruitment of graduate students into faculty roles, and delayed retirement of current faculty. Potential new solutions are proposed. These include: fast-track bachelor's of science in nursing to doctor of philosophy curricula; recruiting advanced practice nurses (APNs) into faculty roles with arrangements made for clinical practice time; raising the image of nursing education as a prestigious career; developing national certification for nurse educators; and partnering with health care agencies. Linking the general nursing shortage with the faculty shortage may provide a stronger case for public policy and funding initiatives. There are signs that some initiatives are working. Present faculty need to maintain a culture of hope while potential solutions are being implemented.