Reasons Why Clinical Nurses Aspire or Do Not Aspire to Become a Nursing University Faculty Member

Abstract

〔Aims〕This study aims to clarify why clinical nurses aspire or do not aspire to become a nursing university faculty member.

〔Methods〕The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design and a semi-structured interview was conducted with 17 nursing university faculty members.

〔Results〕The responses of the nursing university faculty members regarding why clinical nurses do not aspire to become a nursing university faculty member were divided into four main categories: “Commitment to continuing being a clinical nurse,” “Vague recognition as a profession,” “Self-awareness of lack of qualifications,” and “Negative vocational image.” Alternatively, the reasons why they aspire to become a nursing university faculty member were divided into four main categories: “Expansion of horizons to non-clinical nurses,” “Clear recognition as a profession,” “Confidence in qualities,” and “Attractive vocational image.”

〔Conclusions〕The participants of this study did not aspire to a career as a nursing university faculty member for specific reasons. Learning experience and timing influenced each other. The career of a nursing university faculty member comprises several turning points.