A model for graduate nursing faculty teaching workload

Background: No one nursing faculty workload formula can be applied to every nursing program, but disseminating how workload formulas and policies are developed can guide programs in the development of their own policies. Problem: There is a scarcity of literature delineating workload models in nursing education, and, more specifically, in graduate nursing education. Approach: Creating a faculty teaching workload policy is a team effort involving both faculty and administrators. After reviewing available literature and several workload policies from university websites, a formula was trialed and revised. Its faculty teaching workload formula has components of many teaching responsibilities unique to nursing: clinical supervision, clinical coordination, academic advising, variance based on class size, etc. In addition, it presents a model for co-teaching workload units that may enrich student learning and faculty satisfaction. Outcomes: The success of this endeavor to date has been open faculty dialogue, common faculty goals, and a solid institutional vision.