Aim: The aim of the study was to identify what a national sample of nurse faculty believe will help build the faculty population.
Background: The aging population contributes to the need for new nurses while reducing the number of experienced faculty. Retaining faculty and attracting younger faculty are essential.
Method: This descriptive study used an online survey. Nurse educators teaching at all levels (n = 940) were asked to rate the effectiveness of attraction, recruitment, and retention strategies. This article reports on responses to one of the survey's open-ended question; a content analysis was conducted to develop a narrative description about why respondents chose nursing education.
Results: Respondents wanted to teach in a stimulating yet flexible work environment, hoped to influence the profession, had been influenced by educators, and sought change and challenge in their careers.
Conclusion: Faculty find nursing academia satisfying and rewarding, but noncompetitive compensation and unsatisfactory work environments can eclipse satisfiers.