Strategies to enhance the success of mid-career nurse scientists.

Abstract Background The mid-career nurse scientist, defined as an associate professor with/without tenure, is often faced with a multitude of challenges and opportunities Purpose This paper shares strategies to assist mid-career scientists as they juggle required career demands and navigate the mid-career phase in pursuit of the rank of full professor. Method A review of the literature was performed on mid-career nurse scientists. Discussion A combination of increased research responsibilities, increased institutional teaching and service demands, and dwindling support can result in a sense of overwhelm and burnout. The mid-career nurse scientist must balance several balls in the air at one time to remain successful. Conclusion Strategies aligned with the Ecological Framework, focus on intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, organizational, and public policy domains to provide a wide scope of strategies that target the mid-career scientist and engage the larger nursing community.