Fulfillment in the role of academic nurse leader: A grounded theory study

Unlike many other disciplines, academic nurse leaders are challenged with multiple expectations. The many vacancies in these positions indicate that further study on this phenomenon is needed to disclose aspects of their roles.

The purpose of this study is to describe the factors that influence academic nurse leaders' role attainment and fulfillment.

Analysis of 18 interviews with nurse deans, directors, and chairpersons was performed with grounded theory methodology.

Personality traits such as having a "skillset" and a "sense of calling" positively affected the nurse leader's role attainment and fulfillment. Other outside factors that affected role fulfillment were "experiencing a variety of relationships", "seeing positive change", "enjoying creative freedom", "experiencing professional growth" and "having support from administration". Some negative themes that resulted in a lack of fulfillment were "feeling overwhelmed with the number of hours and duties", "being coerced into the role", the "faculty shortage" and a "lack of mentorship".

By disclosing aspects of fulfillment and the academic nurse leader role, recruitment and retention within academic leadership will be affected.