Learning Objective #1: Define the process of a useful strategy to manage faculty shortage in unique situations

Learning Objective #2: Identify the potential and challenges of faculty internship program for undergraduate nurses

---

The purpose of this presentation is to share the need, processes, and outcome of faculty internship program over the past 20 years at Aga Khan University School of Nursing (AKU-SON). Inspired by the vision of its chancellor, it has been the mandate of the school to produce competent graduate who are capable of enhancing the quality of nursing education and services as well able to provide leadership to the profession of nursing in the country. In 1980, the school began with a diploma program. For this some expatriate faculty were recruited to work with the National faculty, as none of the national faculty were prepared at undergraduate or graduate level. Today, the school is able to offer undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing that are managed by its national faculty. To mange this transition successfully, many strategies were implemented including the faculty internship program. Through this program, potential students for teaching capabilities were identified in their final year of diploma and undergraduate programs. Upon graduation, these students were hired by the school and trained for a faculty role through an internship program. Although, some features of this program remained consistent, development plan for each intern to assume a faculty role varied and evolved over the years. We believe that the nature of faculty internship program implemented at AKU-SON could serve as a useful strategy to address the challenges of faculty shortage worldwide.