A measure of wellness among nursing faculty

Abstract

Background

Nurse faculty play a critical role in sustaining the nursing workforce and meeting the nation's healthcare needs. Given the ongoing concerns about faculty supply, ensuring the well-being of nurse educators is critical concern for academic institutions and the larger nursing profession.

Purpose

This study was conducted to assess the level of well-being among nursing faculty in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed to examine the level of well-being of nursing faculty. An internet-based survey was administered to faculty in over 1000 schools of nursing in the United States. Well-being was measured using the 100 Million Healthier Lives instrument.

Results: A total of 3489 nursing faculty completed the survey. Among all participants, over 40 % (n = 1532) of the faculty reported that they were struggling or suffering in relation to current and future life evaluation. When faculty ranks were compared for most all variables full professors reported a higher mean score as compared to the more junior faculty and lecturers/instructors.

Conclusions

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened our awareness of the importance of nurse well-being. Creating a culture of wellness in an academic institution will allow faculty, staff, and students to excel in a healthy working and learning environment.