Faculty Role In Higher Education In Nursing Introduction
The role of faculty in higher education has evolved significantly over the centuries, particularly as the focus of higher education has shifted from individual development to societal and national growth. Nursing education, like other academic fields, has been influenced by these historical changes. The increasing complexity of healthcare, the need for advanced clinical expertise, and the changing nature of nursing as a profession have necessitated a reevaluation of the faculty’s role in nursing education. This topic explores the developmental phases of faculty perspectives in nursing education, the evaluation of teaching strategies, and the responsibilities of nursing faculty in academia today.
Developmental Phases of Faculty Perspectives in Nursing Education
The role of faculty members in higher education has developed alongside the evolution of American higher education. According to Boyer (1990), three phases of development can be identified that reflect shifts in educational goals and faculty responsibilities.
- The Colonial Period: Teaching as the Central Mission
During colonial times, higher education in America was heavily influenced by British traditions. The role of faculty was singularly focused on teaching, with the primary aim of developing students’ moral character and preparing them for leadership roles in civic and religious life. The focus on teaching as the core mission of higher education remained consistent well into the 19th century. The idea of teaching as a vocation with a moral purpose elevated the status of educators, positioning them as key figures in shaping future leaders.
- The 19th Century: Service to the Nation
The second phase of faculty development occurred in the mid-to-late 19th century as legislation such as the Morrill Act of 1862 and the Hatch Act of 1887 established land-grant institutions and tasked higher education with serving the needs of agriculture and industry. This legislation added a service component to the faculty’s traditional role of teaching, signaling a shift from educating individuals for personal development to training professionals for the betterment of society. This period also saw the emergence of formal nursing schools, which were established to meet the service needs of hospitals. Nursing educators during this time were expected to teach while providing direct service to healthcare institutions.
- The 20th Century: The Rise of Scholarship and Research
By the mid-19th century, higher education began to emphasize the development of scientific knowledge. The third phase of faculty development saw the introduction of research as a core responsibility. This shift was further enhanced during and after World War II when federal support for academic research increased, leading to a growing expectation that faculty members engage in scholarly activities alongside teaching and service. Nursing education followed this trend as it entered the university setting, with nursing faculty expected to conduct research and contribute to the academic body of knowledge. Over time, research achievements became increasingly tied to faculty tenure and promotion decisions, with less emphasis placed on teaching and service alone.
Evaluation of Teaching Strategies in Nursing Education
As universities shifted their focus from traditional teaching to a learning-centered model, the evaluation of teaching strategies became a critical area of innovation in nursing education. With the advent of new technologies, the role of the faculty has evolved to include the integration of modern teaching methods that promote active learning and student engagement.
- Technology in Teaching
Technology has become a cornerstone of modern nursing education. The traditional lecture-based teaching model has been augmented with computer-mediated courses, simulation technology, and distance learning strategies. These innovations allow students to engage with course content in more flexible and interactive ways, accommodating the needs of today’s diverse student populations. Simulation technology, in particular, has revolutionized nursing education by providing students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in a controlled environment.
- Distance Education
The increasing demand for convenience and flexibility in education has made distance learning a vital component of nursing education. Online programs, hybrid courses, and asynchronous learning platforms allow students to access educational materials and engage in coursework from remote locations. This flexibility is essential, especially for students balancing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. Nursing education has adapted to this trend by offering online degree programs, which help address the growing need for qualified nurses, particularly in underserved or rural areas.
- Cultural Competency and Diversity
Another important trend in nursing education is the emphasis on cultural competence. As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, the nursing workforce must be prepared to meet the needs of multicultural and underserved populations. Despite efforts to recruit minority nursing students, there is still a gap in representation, with minority groups making up only 10% of nursing education programs for decades. Faculty must not only work to recruit a more diverse nursing student body but also to integrate cultural competence into the curriculum. This includes teaching students how to provide culturally sensitive care and addressing healthcare disparities.
- Doctoral Prepared Faculty
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has highlighted the need for more doctoral-prepared nurses, both to teach and to conduct the research necessary for evaluating healthcare delivery systems. The shift towards preparing advanced practice nurses, particularly those with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), reflects the need for nursing faculty to guide the next generation of nurses in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.
Responsibility of Faculty in Nursing Education
The responsibilities of nursing faculty have expanded significantly over time. Today, faculty members in nursing education are expected to fulfill multiple roles, including teaching, service, research, mentoring, and governance. These roles are critical in shaping the future of nursing and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare profession.
- Teaching and Learning Responsibilities
At the core of the faculty role is the responsibility for teaching and learning. Faculty members are responsible for developing and delivering curriculum, evaluating student performance, and ensuring that students meet the academic and clinical competencies required for nursing practice. This includes not only traditional classroom teaching but also clinical instruction, simulation-based learning, and the use of technology to enhance student engagement.
Faculty are also tasked with curriculum development and assessment, ensuring that nursing programs are up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices and healthcare technologies. This responsibility has become increasingly important as healthcare evolves, requiring nursing graduates to be well-versed in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Service to the University and Profession
In addition to teaching, faculty members are expected to engage in service to the university, the nursing profession, and the broader community. This includes serving on academic committees, participating in professional nursing organizations, and contributing to healthcare policy discussions at the local, national, and international levels. Faculty service is critical in shaping the direction of nursing education and ensuring that academic institutions remain responsive to the needs of the profession and society.
Faculty governance is another key aspect of service, with nursing educators playing an active role in shaping academic policies and procedures. Participation in faculty governance allows nursing faculty to influence decisions related to curriculum development, academic standards, and the overall direction of nursing education programs.
- Research and Scholarship
Research and scholarship are integral to the role of nursing faculty, particularly at institutions where tenure and promotion are closely tied to scholarly productivity. Faculty members are expected to conduct research that contributes to the advancement of nursing science, healthcare delivery, and education. This includes publishing research findings in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and seeking external funding for research projects.
In recent years, nursing faculty have also taken on the responsibility of mentoring students and junior faculty in research. This mentorship is essential in developing the next generation of nurse scholars and ensuring that nursing education remains grounded in evidence-based practice.
- Mentoring and Faculty Development
Mentoring plays a vital role in nursing education, both in terms of student development and faculty growth. Senior faculty members are responsible for guiding and supporting junior faculty as they navigate the complexities of academia, including teaching, research, and service responsibilities. This mentorship is particularly important for new faculty members who may be transitioning from clinical practice to academia, as the expectations and culture of academia can be markedly different from those of healthcare institutions.
Faculty members also mentor nursing students, providing guidance and support as they progress through their academic and professional journeys. This includes not only academic advising but also career counseling, helping students develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the nursing profession.
Conclusion
The role of nursing faculty has evolved in response to the changing landscape of higher education and the nursing profession. From the early days of teaching-focused faculty in colonial colleges to the modern-day nurse educator who balances teaching, research, service, and mentorship, nursing faculty have played a critical role in shaping the future of nursing. As healthcare continues to evolve, nursing education must adapt to meet new challenges, including the integration of technology, the demand for cultural competence, and the need for more doctoral-prepared faculty. Through innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, nursing faculty will continue to play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of nurses for the complexities of modern healthcare.