Pre-tenures remain survival wise: How to survive your first year in a tenure-track nursing faculty position

Abstract

Objective: There are many challenges when starting a nursing tenure track position. This experience exchange paper reflects on a pre-tenured faculty member’s experience during their first year in their position in a university setting.

Methods: Tips for surviving the first year of a pre-tenured faculty position using Grylls’ four survival priorities are reflected. Bear Grylls’ advice for outdoor survival adventures can be applied to academia.  The survival priorities of Protection, Rescue, Shelter and Water (Food) (or Pre-tenures Remain Survival Wise) are discussed in terms of knowledge gained, development of relationships and the pursuit of opportunities and resources available.

Results: It is essential to maintain a positive attitude and learn as much as possible to launch an academic career successfully. Practical tips are explored and exchanged.

Conclusions: It is important contemplate in this academic survival scenario, enacting in nursing tenure-track position, the concept of the Darwinian theory of evolution. Reminding us the continued existence of organisms that are best adapted to their environment, with the extinction of others who are not. There is a need to be flexible, resourceful and open-minded when entering academic position.