Voices of Experience: Reflections of Nurse Educators

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. J Contin Educ Nurs 2009;40(8):367-370.