Academic Journal
Leading through the exodus: Retention solutions for the aging and attrition-driven nursing faculty shortage.
| Title: | Leading through the exodus: Retention solutions for the aging and attrition-driven nursing faculty shortage. |
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| Authors: | Haddad L; Texas A& M University, College of Nursing, Bryan, TX, United States of America. Electronic address: lhaddad@tamu.edu., Clements PT; Center for Excellence in Forensic Nursing, Texas A& M University, College of Nursing, Bryan, TX, United States of America., Horsley L; Texas A& M University, College of Nursing, Bryan, TX, United States of America. |
| Source: | Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing [J Prof Nurs] 2026 Jul-Aug; Vol. 65, pp. 50-56. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 May 01. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: W.B. Saunders Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 8511298 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1532-8481 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 87557223 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Prof Nurs Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: [Philadelphia, PA] : W.B. Saunders, [c1985- |
| MeSH Terms: | Faculty, Nursing*/supply & distribution , Leadership* , Personnel Turnover*, Humans ; United States ; Academia |
| Abstract: | The United States faces a critical nursing workforce shortage, with a projected deficit of nearly 208,000 registered nurses by 2037. A parallel challenge is the shortage of qualified nurse educators, intensified by burnout, anticipated retirements, and competitive recruitment practices often referred to as faculty poaching. This manuscript addresses the urgent need for retention strategies, grounded in ethical and visionary leadership that emphasizes justice, autonomy, and fidelity. Using illustrative case examples, faculty perspectives, and policy recommendations, it provides actionable approaches for building inclusive, sustainable, and ethically grounded academic environments. Key areas include the role of deans and human resources, integration of ethics into leadership development to support faculty retention and well-being, compensation equity, and adapting to generational and technological shifts. Aligning ethical leadership with structural reform and innovation can safeguard the nursing pipeline and ensure future workforce sustainability. (Copyright © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Academic workforce sustainability; Ethical leadership; Faculty retention; Nurse educator shortage; Visionary leadership |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260611 Date Completed: 20260613 Latest Revision: 20260622 |
| Update Code: | 20260623 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.profnurs.2026.04.014 |
| PMID: | 42276649 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1532-8481 |
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| DOI: | 10.1016/j.profnurs.2026.04.014 |