BACKGROUND: Recent data reported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing suggest that nursing education is experiencing a continued increase in applicants. However, because of a faculty shortage, many qualified students are denied enrollment. Strategies that would encourage individuals to consider a career in nursing education would somewhat alleviate applicant restrictions. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted exploring experienced baccalaureate educators' perspectives. Questions were posed about their role experiences. Analysis was conducted with van Manen's procedural steps for examination. RESULTS: Emergent themes were identified. These themes, reflective of the educators' experience, offer insight and guidance to novice educators striving for success. CONCLUSION: To alleviate the nursing shortage, increased efforts should be directed toward encouraging qualified individuals to pursue a career as a nurse educator and mentoring those who are novices. The wisdom gleaned from experienced nurse educators may help achieve these goals. Copyright 2009, SLACK Incorporated.
BACKGROUND: Recent data reported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing suggest that nursing education is experiencing a continued increase in applicants. However, because of a faculty shortage, many qualified students are denied enrollment. Strategies that would encourage individuals to consider a career in nursing education would somewhat alleviate applicant restrictions. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted exploring experienced baccalaureate educators' perspectives. Questions were posed about their role experiences. Analysis was conducted with van Manen's procedural steps for examination. RESULTS: Emergent themes were identified. These themes, reflective of the educators' experience, offer insight and guidance to novice educators striving for success. CONCLUSION: To alleviate the nursing shortage, increased efforts should be directed toward encouraging qualified individuals to pursue a career as a nurse educator and mentoring those who are novices. The wisdom gleaned from experienced nurse educators may help achieve these goals. Copyright 2009, SLACK Incorporated.