Nursing professorate in America: projected retirements and replacements.

New paradigms are emerging in higher education, and institutions are facing financial shortfalls. Faculty retirements and resignations may have an impact on the quality of education across disciplines. Will adequate numbers of doctorally prepared replacements be entering nursing education to meet projected retirements and resignations? A national study was conducted of National League for Nursing-accredited baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs with 296 (58%) responding. The purpose was to determine faculty profiles, policies related to retirement, and projected replacements. Projected retirements and resignations over the years 1992 to 2006 are estimated to be approximately one third of the current faculty work force. Numbers of anticipated graduates at the master's level seem to be adequate. However, doctorally prepared candidates will most certainly not fill all the gaps that will exist in nursing education. Implications call for an examination of clinical teaching practices to ensure continued quality nursing education. An examination of faculty retirement policies and plans is warranted.