Clinical Track Promotion Guideline Development for Nursing Faculty in a Traditional Research-Focused University

Area of Science:

• Academic Medicine
• Faculty Development
• Higher Education

Background:

• The traditional academic emphasis on research and funding is evolving with the emergence of the clinical track.
• Clinical faculty roles are expanding, necessitating updated institutional frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the process, challenges, and experiences in developing clinical track promotion guidelines.
• To advocate for equitable promotion criteria that recognize diverse faculty contributions.

Main Methods:

• Review and revision of existing clinical track promotion guidelines.
• Engagement with faculty to understand evolving roles and responsibilities.
• Adaptation of guidelines within a research-intensive university context.

Main Results:

• Outdated clinical track promotion guidelines were successfully revised.
• New guidelines better reflect the contemporary roles of clinical faculty.
• The revision process identified key areas for improvement in faculty evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Universities must update promotion criteria to equitably assess teaching, scholarship, and academic outreach for clinical faculty.
• The increasing presence of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and advanced practice faculty requires a re-evaluation of academic promotion standards.
• Equitable and clear milestones are essential for the career progression of clinical faculty in academic institutions.