Aim: The aim of the study was to assess how state-based support-for-service (SFS) programs are used by deans and directors of nursing programs and to evaluate their perceived impact.
Background: Given projected nurse faculty shortages, stakeholders are looking for ways to address the maldistribution and shortage of nurse faculty. One state-level strategy is the implementation of loan repayment and scholarship programs, which incentivize individuals with, or currently pursuing, graduate degrees to become or remain nurse faculty.
Method: This study used a mixed-method and multilevel approach to assess the impact of SFS programs in seven states.
Results: Programs are perceived to affect both recruitment and retention of faculty and play a role in increasing the educational qualifications of current nurse faculty.
Conclusion: Nurse educators need to be aware of SFS programs and how best to use them to support nurse faculty.