Nursing faculty satisfaction with individual, institutional, and leadership factors

A survey of full-time nursing faculty in Minnesota examined perceptions about individual, institutional, and leadership characteristics. Of 548 surveys sent, 298 responses were analyzed (54 percent). Faculty were, on average, 50.5 years old, female (96 percent), and white (97 percent). Approximately 82 percent would choose nursing again, 63 percent would choose to work in their current institutions, and only 9 percent would not choose a faculty career again. Ninety-eight percent were committed to their careers and 97 percent to the profession. Only 44 percent had confidence in nursing's direction. Similarities among faculty included having input into their roles and time; clarity about their work and goals fitting with the schools' vision and goals; the role of the dean and senior faculty in maintaining the vision; the sense that their opinions are routinely solicited and incorporated; and compensation is not fair for the work that is done. Most (80 percent) felt that there were effective communication systems, constructive feedback from colleagues (71 percent), and a supportive network in their departments (55 percent). Differences related mostly to role functions; for example, baccalaureate and graduate faculty were more involved and had greater skills, rewards, and resources in research, and faculty in associate's degree and licensed practical nurse programs perceived greater support for providing patient care. Recommendations are given for creating supportive work environments for faculty. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.