This report from the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) explains how the U.S. is facing a critical shortage of nurse faculty and clinical preceptors, which poses a significant threat to the supply, education, and training of registered nurses (RNs). Despite efforts to increase the number of nurse faculty, such as federal investments and state initiatives, these measures have been insufficient, and the situation is worsening with an impending wave of retirements. The shortage of nurse faculty negatively impacts the quality of nursing education, as many faculty positions require or prefer advanced degrees like the PhD or DNP. Clinical preceptors, who supervise nursing students in patient care, also face challenges due to limited training and a lack of coordinated support. These issues are compounded by differing state regulations and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Takeaways:

1. There is an ongoing and worsening shortage of nurse faculty and clinical preceptors, which directly impacts the education and training of nurses in the U.S.
2. Federal and state efforts to address this shortage, including financial investments and programs, have not been enough to meet the demand.
3. Clinical preceptors, mostly practicing RNs, need better training to integrate their clinical and teaching roles.
4. The quality of nursing education suffers from the lack of full-time faculty and the increasing retirement of experienced faculty members.

Primary Recommendations for Addressing the Shortage:

• Increased funding for faculty and preceptor development programs
• The creation of a national center for nursing education
• Greater coordination between federal and private sectors to enhance recruitment, training, and retention of faculty and preceptors