Clinical academic careers for educators and researchers in nursing Some challenges and solutions

In 2003 the two UK Government departments of Health and Education and Skills commissioned a team of investigators to examine a growing crisis in the educator and researcher workforce in the health, social care and education communities. The team were asked to look at all professions and take forward an extensive consultation process. This article describes the approach taken by the project team, articulates issues facing educators and researchers in nursing and suggests some models for career development. A series of recommendations are listed and shown to cover three main areas: (1) strategic drivers; (2) employment practices; and (3) matters relating to labour market intelligence. It can be shown that many of the problems facing nurse educators and researchers are shared with other staff groups in health and social care and that some 'quick win' solutions are possible. Although some effective cost-neutral work can be undertaken now, investment by Government is needed to make more substantial changes. Some of this investment may be found from existing funding streams but additional funding is likely to be necessary.