The Nursing Dean Role: An Integrative Review

AIM The aim of this integrative review was to appraise research on the uniqueness of the nursing dean role. BACKGROUND Deans of nursing are challenged with multiple expectations of their role, which is unlike that of other deans in academia. Investigation is needed to understand what is entailed in being a dean of nursing. METHOD This integrative review explores the role of the nurse dean utilizing a model described by Whittemore and Knafl. Their strategy uses a five-step process of problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis, and presentation. RESULTS Nursing deans are expected to excel in areas of education, the health care system, and relationships with the community stakeholders while navigating challenges of limited funding and a nationwide faculty shortage. CONCLUSION This integrative literature review was an initial step toward the collective understanding of the nursing dean role.