Voices of experience: reflections of nurse educators.

BACKGROUND Recent data reported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing suggest that nursing education is experiencing a continued increase in applicants. However, because of a faculty shortage, many qualified students are denied enrollment. Strategies that would encourage individuals to consider a career in nursing education would somewhat alleviate applicant restrictions. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted exploring experienced baccalaureate educators' perspectives. Questions were posed about their role experiences. Analysis was conducted with van Manen's procedural steps for examination. RESULTS Emergent themes were identified. These themes, reflective of the educators' experience, offer insight and guidance to novice educators striving for success. CONCLUSION To alleviate the nursing shortage, increased efforts should be directed toward encouraging qualified individuals to pursue a career as a nurse educator and mentoring those who are novices. The wisdom gleaned from experienced nurse educators may help achieve these goals.