What keeps some program directors in their, positions so long? An examination of job longevity among anesthesia program directors.

The turnover rate of nurse anesthesia faculty has been monitored by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs for a number of years. In 2005, the turnover rate remained high, at 22%, indicating a problem with faculty retention. This article reports the results of a study in which 25 long-time nurse anesthesia program directors were interviewed to gain insights into faculty retention. The interviews revealed reasons for becoming an anesthesia educator, positive and negative aspects of the job, changes over time, and reasons for longevity in their positions.