Building framework for nursing scholarship: guidelines for appointment and promotion

As nursing academia responds to shifts in nursing education--the emergence of clinically focused doctoral degrees and an emphasis on evidence-based practice, comparative effectiveness, and translational research, nursing scholarship is undergoing transformation. This article outlines guidelines for appointment and promotion that incorporate the academic tripartite and are relevant for all faculty. A clear and equitable pathway for professorial advancement for the both the clinician and research faculty is delineated. Without such clarity and equity, the unique contributions of clinical and research scholars and the synergy that results from these distinctions will not be garnered. Although there is significant overlap in the criteria, there are also distinguishing scholarly activities and outcomes. For each standard at each rank, unique sample criteria of clinical and research scholarship are outlined and the shared scholarly activities that demonstrate the standard. Using an adaptation of Boyer's model, the guidelines incorporate a broadened view of nursing scholarship and offer a framework for nursing academia that recognizes new ways of knowledge. Although recognizing the coexistence of science and practice, these guidelines offer a clear trajectory for advancement in the professorial role that applies an expanded perspective of and provide a framework for nursing scholarship.