Core attributes of nursing disciplinary leaders in higher education: A modified Delphi study

The Australian and New Zealand Higher Education sectors have been subject to many challenges over the last decade. These include extensive higher education restructures, the creation of multi-disciplinary cognate units, and sweeping fiscal restraint measures. Within this complex, dynamic environment, the discipline of Nursing must continue to uphold its expertise through recruitment and retention of qualified academics, succession planning of nursing disciplinary leads, and taking active measures to prepare the next generation of nursing disciplinary leads. This study aimed to identify an evidence-based set of core attributes that are required to lead the discipline of Nursing in the Australian and New Zealand higher education sectors.

A modified e-Delphi, inclusive of an Expert Advisory Group, was used to identify an evidence-based set of core attributes.

Round one identified two additional core attributes and refined the terminology used for increased specificity. Round two confirmed agreement on a final list of 21 core attributes that were all rated either 'important' or 'very important'.

An evidence-based set of 21 core attributes provides a foundation for Higher Education organisations to construct position descriptions, recruitment strategies, professional development and mentorship programs that will enhance and empower the next generation of nurse disciplinary leads in the Australian and New Zealand Higher Education sectors.