Professors of nursing: Academic equity or professional enigma?

摘要

Like others in higher education, over the past month I have been completing tasks for this academic year. Quality cycles have been concluded and examination boards convened to complete the business of nurse education for 2011-12. I wanted to complete a couple of other matters in the academic year. On reflection, both indicate just how far nursing, as a profession and an academic discipline, has progressed. The first was the appointment of a professor of nursing and the second, the validation of an NHS trust as a university trust. The appointment of a professor in any discipline is always satisfying and an opportunity to celebrate the achievement of that person in their academic field. When the discipline is nursing, the satisfaction is particularly gratifying as professorial numbers are relatively low and the appointment of a professor inspires us all. Professors in the UK, generally speaking, are committed scholars whose main responsibility is to inspire and facilitate the next generation of intellectuals in their discipline.