An eye toward the future: Pressing questions for our discipline in today's academic and research climate.

ABSTRACT

This paper seeks to open a dialogue concerning the current trend in hiring non-nurse faculty (NNF) to tenure track positions in schools/colleges of nursing. The evolution of non-nurses as faculty, including a review of contemporary papers in affecting this trend, is offered. Three means of involving non-nurses in advancing our discipline are presented. The impact of the growing trend of NNF is discussed relative to the integrity of our discipline and effects on education. We conclude by suggesting a manner of proceeding and raise questions for furthering dialogue.