Academic nursing scholarship redefined

Abstract

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) last defined academic nursing scholarship in 1999. The AACN recognized faculty scholarship must align with the increasingly complex and dynamic health care environment to prepare nurses for an ever-changing future. The new, broader definition recognizes multiple ways of knowing and values all scholarly contributions, which affect nursing science and the health care system. The alignment of faculty scholarship to the practice of nursing will ensure high-quality education, influencing the next generation of nurses. This new position statement also provides clarity as to valued activities within the faculty role, which will assist administrative faculty who struggle with appointment, tenure, and promotion criteria. This column will provide a summary of the new position statement and exemplars of activities within the faculty role of research, practice, and teaching.