A Mentoring Workgroup for Academic Role Transition Among Clinical-Track Nursing Faculty

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Faculty Development
• Academic Mentorship

Background:

• Addressing the critical nurse faculty shortage.
• Highlighting the importance of mentorship for clinical-track faculty, specifically clinical assistant professors (CAPs).
• Focusing on career advancement, promotion, and retention strategies for CAPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the organization, experiences, and outcomes of a mentorship workgroup for CAPs.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured mentorship program in a research-intensive nursing college.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a CAP mentorship workgroup guided by senior faculty.
• Monthly meetings providing guidance on promotion processes and scholarship.
• Facilitation of peer support among CAPs.

Main Results:

• Seven CAPs successfully completed their probationary review.
• Two CAPs are advancing to clinical associate professor positions.
• Over 90% retention rate achieved for participating CAPs.

Conclusions:

• Mentorship significantly enhances faculty productivity and retention for clinical-track nursing faculty.
• Effective mentorship programs are crucial for the success and sustainability of nursing programs.
• The CAP mentorship workgroup model demonstrates a positive impact on faculty career progression.