Soft Skills Teaching by Top-Ranked U.S. Nursing Faculty

J Nurs Educ. 2021 Aug;60(8):437-443. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20210722-04. Epub 2021 Aug 1.

Abstract

Background: Although prior studies demonstrate that "soft skills" are necessary for workplace success, few consider the emphasis faculty place on teaching soft skills. This study reports how top-ranked U.S. nursing faculty prepare students for success by incorporating soft skills training into their courses.

Method: Data were collected with an online survey distributed in spring 2020 to approximately 2,000 faculty at 25 top-ranked nursing schools. Responses were solicited from those who have taught bachelor's and master's students within the past 2 years. Of 165 respondents who started the survey, 144 finished (7%).

Results: Most nursing faculty view soft skills as important and feel at least some responsibility for teaching those skills.

Conclusion: This study indicates that a majority of faculty are teaching a range of soft skills and that when they teach those skills, they are also likely to provide students with feedback. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(8):437-443.].

MeSH terms

  • Faculty, Nursing*
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Teaching*