Leadership Behaviors That Impact Nurse Faculty Job Satisfaction: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify specific actionable behaviors academic nurse leaders can implement to improve nurse faculty job satisfaction.

Background: The nurse faculty shortage is a persistent and worsening problem, with job dissatisfaction a significant contributor in the United States. However, little is known about actionable behaviors academic nurse leaders can do to improve nurse faculty job satisfaction.

Method: Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 nurse faculty. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze and interpret the interviews.

Results: Four themes emerged about academic nurse leader behavior: 1) build relationships with leaders and faculty, 2) create an environment where autonomy is valued, 3) facilitate faculty growth and development, and 4) serve as a role model.

Conclusion: Effective leadership contributes to nurse faculty job satisfaction. Academic nurse leaders need to be aware of their influential behaviors and intentionally contribute to creating a workplace environment that promotes nurse faculty job satisfaction.