Transitioning from clinical practice to academia: university expectations on the tenure track

Approximately 37% of tenured or tenure track nursing faculty in universities have a terminal degree at the master's level. Often these faculty enter academic culture devoid of the socialization that their doctoral level colleagues experienced in graduate school. Embedded in the doctoral culture is an awareness of the rigorous path to promotion and tenure, both of which are necessary for retention at the university. Achievement of rank and tenure rely on standards quite different from promotion in clinical or practice settings. The authors offer an informative and reflective framework for new faculty. It introduces novice educators to the values of the university and role transition, suggests methods for success, and contains personal reflections of the first year on the tenure track.