What to Expect in 2024 - A Nursing Educator ForeCast

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The intensifying nursing shortage, exacerbated by an aging population and increasing retirements, is leading to faculty shortages in nursing education, according to the AACN. This restricts the ability of schools to expand student enrollment during a time of critical need for more nurses. The stress on nurse educators is significant, underscoring the importance of supporting them to retain their expertise. Challenges highlighted by educators include a dire need for more faculty to meet educational demands effectively.

1. Shortage?

• Nursing programs nationwide face faculty shortages, significantly impacting their capacity to accept students.

• In 2019, the deficit forced the rejection of over 80,000 applicants, a notable increase from previous years.

• A survey revealed nearly 1,700 faculty vacancies, underscoring the urgent need for additional positions.

Veteran educators like Erica Jastrow highlight the immense pressure on faculty due to these shortages. To mitigate these challenges, experts like Anne Dabrow Woods suggest enhancing salaries, offering development opportunities for adjunct faculty, and fostering partnerships between academia and practice to support educational staff.

2. Curriculum Issues?

Sherri Wilson, DNP, highlights curriculum issues within nursing education that affect both students and educators. Barriers to entry and success in nursing programs include a lack of necessary resources and understanding of the profession.

• Wilson advocates for early preparation opportunities for high school students interested in nursing.

• Additionally, the demand for faculty with doctoral degrees poses challenges, as most curricula do not adequately prepare graduates for teaching roles, necessitating a curriculum review for educator preparation.
  

3. Lack of Diversity in Faculty & Preceptors?

Wilson emphasizes the importance of diversifying nursing faculty and preceptors to include more varied cultural backgrounds. She points out that greater diversity among educators not only enriches the learning experience for all nursing students but also offers mentorship opportunities for those from minority groups.

• By integrating more inclusive curricula and fostering cultural competence, nursing education can better address healthcare disparities and equip nurses to provide comprehensive care across diverse communities.

4. Relationships?

Nurturing strong relationships between students and educators is crucial for academic success, motivation, and professional growth. However, the high demands placed on faculty often impede the development of meaningful connections with students. This lack of engagement can negatively impact students' educational and career trajectories, potentially deterring them from pursuing further education or roles in nursing education.

• Active support and showing genuine care for students' well-being and success can significantly influence their academic journey, encouraging persistence and achievement despite challenges.

5. How much do nurse educator make???

Salary disparities present a barrier to recruiting faculty for nursing education. The median annual wage for nurse educators is significantly lower than that for nurses with similar educational backgrounds, such as nurse practitioners. This discrepancy discourages highly qualified nurses from entering academia.

• Addressing this issue by aligning nurse educator salaries with their qualifications and experience is essential for attracting and retaining dedicated teaching staff.

• However, implementing such changes amid a nursing shortage poses challenges and necessitates a strategic approach to enhance the attractiveness of teaching roles and improve overall healthcare outcomes.

6. Where are the preceptors?

The shortage of nursing preceptors, exacerbated by the widespread nursing shortage, affects both the education of nursing students and the onboarding of new graduates. T

• The scarcity of preceptors, crucial for guiding and supporting nursing students, undermines the educational quality due to overstretched staffing and limited clinical placement opportunities. Innovative solutions, such as leveraging telehealth for clinical training, as practiced by Walden University, are essential in mitigating these challenges and ensuring students can fulfill their clinical hours effectively.

7. Skills, skills, skills?

The nursing shortage has significantly strained the capacity of nurse educators to stay updated with the latest knowledge and skills. This challenge not only frustrates educators but also contributes to burnout, impacting their well-being and the quality of patient care.

• Emphasizing the importance of professional development, it's crucial for educational institutions and healthcare providers to facilitate ongoing learning opportunities, ensuring educators and nurses are equipped with the latest clinical practices and technological advancements to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.

Addressing these issues requires systemic changes, including improved support for educators, curriculum innovation, and advocacy for policy reforms. As NovaMind LLC, we emphasize the need for innovative solutions and advocate for comprehensive strategies to support nurse educators and ensure the sustainability of quality nursing education.

Summary from: 3.11.24 retrieved: https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-educators-navigate-the-nursing-shortage/