Recruitment and retention of nurse anesthesia faculty: issues and strategies.

AANA Journal/February 2007/Vol. 75, No. 1 13 Many factors have led to the current nursing and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) faculty shortage. These shortages need to be addressed with the development of strategies to attract high quality nurse anesthesia faculty and facilitate success in academic positions. As part of its strategic plan, the 2005-2006 AANA Education Committee addressed faculty recruitment and retention through an online survey of CRNA educators. Findings from that survey reinforced the need for the provision of additional resources for new CRNA faculty members. The committee is planning a 1-day workshop for educators at the 2007 Assembly of School Faculty, in Orlando, Fla. Additional strategies to market the CRNA educator role, enhance faculty recruitment and retention, and provide resources to educators are discussed here. Strategies to prevent faculty burnout and promote faculty success include mentoring programs, renewal techniques, and organizational engagement. These efforts are in response to the aging faculty workforce and the increased demand for nurse anesthesia educators.