Phillips Collaborates on Educational Study with Colleagues from Local Universities

Beth Phillips, associate professor, collaborated on an educational study entitled "RN-to-BSN Students' Intent to Become Faculty: A Multisite Study" with colleagues from East Carolina University, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, and University of North Carolina - Wilmington.

Abstract

Background A nursing faculty shortage means fewer nurses, exacerbating nursing shortages. Purpose The purpose was to determine RN-to-BSN students' intent for a future nurse faculty role. A secondary purpose was to evaluate differences between students who indicated high and low intent to pursue a faculty role. Methods The study was multisite and multimethod using 5 instruments. Results Of 137 RN-to-BSN students who completed the online survey, 20% indicated they intended to pursue a future faculty role. Students with high intent to pursue a faculty role reported higher self-efficacy and interests in faculty activities. Only 6 of the high-intent students had been encouraged to pursue a future faculty role. Conclusions RN-to-BSN students may be receptive to encouragement to consider a nursing faculty role in the future.