ArticlesA Comparison of Policies on Nurse Faculty Workload in the United StatesEllis, Peggy A. Author Information ABOUT THE AUTHORPeggy A. Ellis, PhD, FNP-BC, ANP-BC, is founding dean, Lindenwood University School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, St. Charles, Missouri. For more information, contact Dr. Ellis at[email protected]. Nursing Education Perspectives: September 2013 - Volume 34 - Issue 5 - p 303-309 Buy Abstract AIM This article describes nurse faculty workload policies from across the nation in order to assess current practice. BACKGROUND There is a well-documented shortage of nursing faculty leading to an increase in workload demands. Increases in faculty workload results in difficulties with work-life balance and dissatisfaction threatening to make nursing education less attractive to young faculty. METHOD In order to begin an examination of faculty workload in nursing, existing workloads must be known. Faculty workload data were solicited from nursing programs nationwide and analyzed to determine the current workloads. RESULTS The most common faculty teaching workload reported overall for nursing is 12 credit hours per semester; however, some variations exist. CONCLUSION Consideration should be given to the multiple components of the faculty workload. Research is needed to address the most effective and efficient workload allocation for nursing faculty. © 2013 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
