Nursing faculty development during a time of declining resources

During a time of declining resources, a school of nursing faculty development committee and their Dean devised a way to provide need-specific scholarly development programs using principles of human potential development. The process yielded information useful for faculty development, regardless of economic resources. Faculty were invited to participate in a non-confidential survey that assessed their needs for scholarly productivity, resources they would offer to others, and goals for their own development. The list of resources and needs generated was shared with faculty. Based upon the needs and resources identified, specific development activities were initiated. Six workshops were planned and implemented with high (89%) participation. The dean hired a part-time statistician, a faculty member developed and distributed a handout on "Tips for Time Management," and a writers' support group was formed. This approach to faculty development merits consideration by other groups since it focuses upon the synergistic development of human potential.