Using theory to facilitate the transition from faculty to administrator: a personal account

The author recently made the transition from a faculty role in a large college of nursing to the head of the department of nursing at a university in the same state. Three theoretical frameworks are discussed in terms of their usefulness to the author in determining a framework for decision-making and for understanding the new role. Differences in role expectation between faculty and administrator are identified and a problem stemming from role-based differences is discussed. The author shares some basic beliefs about the responsibilities of leadership.