Nurse Faculty Workload Characteristics: A State-Level Survey

Introduction: National data and research on faculty characteristics, including workload, satisfaction, and mentoring, are available; however, state-level data to inform regional efforts are limited. A state-level survey identifying faculty job characteristics and faculty mentoring practices can assist nursing programs with the development of recruitment and retention initiatives to influence regional shortages. Aim: The aim of this study is to report the characteristics of New Hampshire (NH) nurse faculty to inform regional initiatives to support recruitment, role transition, and retention of nurse faculty. Methods: An online survey was sent to 211 NH nurse faculty to determine job satisfaction, workload, intent to leave, and presence and characteristics of mentoring programs. Results: Seventy-eight surveys (37%) were completed. More than 65% of respondents (n = 49) were older than 50 years. Respondents were most satisfied with professional autonomy and least satisfied with salary. More than 60% indicated their institution provided formal mentorship support; however, less than 40% reported participating. Conclusions: NH nurse faculty concerns mirror national concerns, including an aging workforce and salary dissatisfaction. Recommendations to address NH nurse faculty workforce needs include formal mentorship programs and workload flexibility initiatives.