Resilience in Nursing Faculty: An Integrative Review

The current documented nursing faculty shortage is an important factor affecting our ability to address the nationwide nursing shortage. Occupational burnout is a common phenomenon among nurses that may negatively impact retention of nursing faculty. While research suggests that promoting resilience moderates occupational burnout and relates to occupational satisfaction in practicing nurses, very few investigations have examined resilience among nursing faculty. The purpose of this integrative review is to describe the current state of the science on resilience in nursing faculty and includes an analysis of 14 studies. Three major foci were identified in the literature: 1) descriptions of resilience levels in nursing faculty, 2) examinations of resilience based upon demographic factors, and 3) resilience and related concepts. Existing research indicates there may be demographic differences in resilience levels of nursing faculty, but additional investigation is necessary to confirm these relationships. There is evidence that quality of life (QOL), components of QOL, and support are correlated with resilience in nursing faculty but more rigorous research on these relationships is needed. Understanding more about the relationship between resilience, demographics, and associated factors will guide future development and choice of interventions tailored to promote resilience among nursing faculty.