[Priscilla]

Hi Jan. Unfortunately, my perspective is limited as I have not personally worked in academia; however, I am a nurse educator at a medical center and can speak from that perspective. In my first year as an educator, I learned that it is important to base my education on protocols and policies, as this helps to establish the validity of the education as well as credibility and others’ trust in myself. Understanding the academia’s needs, observing opportunities for improvement, offering interventions, and embracing the given opportunities will show the team your willingness to learn, develop, and work together as a team; these items will also help establish your credibility and expertise among the team. Another way to establish credibility as a DNP is to implement the techniques you have learned, such as evidence-based practice. The implementation could first start in your assigned area, such as clinicals; in time, the evidence-based practice will show evidence that your assigned area has improved. The team will see the evidence and may be encouraged to collaborate with you. Joining a new team can be challenging at first, but steps can be taken to establish oneself. Lastly, a doctorate degree is the highest degree and does qualify one for a teaching role. Providing education to colleagues, patients, and the general public is discussed frequently in the doctorate program. Trust takes time to develop, but progress can be made daily. Thank you for sharing and I hope this is helpful.

[Priscilla]

Hi Jennifer. As a clinical educator in an academic medical center and a DNP student, I have considered pursuing a career in academia after obtaining my DNP degree. I believe a career in academia could help address the nursing faculty shortage and better prepare nurse graduates for their professional practice. Given the current and future shortage of nurses, addressing the nursing faculty shortage is crucial. A career in academia can be fulfilling as educators can impact nursing students’ careers, regardless of where they begin their professional journeys. Teaching pathophysiology and assisting students to apply their learning in clinical settings can be such a rewarding experience. However, I believe there are challenges in the academic field, such as providing timely and relevant education in an ever-evolving healthcare field. Also, commitment is vital as frequent faculty changes could affect educational quality due to inconsistency. I also believe that it is essential for individuals aspiring to be professors in academia to have part-time or per-diem positions in the clinical field; this would ensure they stay knowledgeable about current nursing practices. I believe being a preceptor is another excellent option for those unable to commit to academia but who want to assist with academic challenges. With the shortage of nurses, there is also a need for faculty and preceptors. Thank you for the question and the opportunity to discuss.

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