Interim Leadership in an Era of Change

As dean and chair positions in baccalaureate programs in nursing are vacated, the role of the interim leader can emerge as a confusing yet crucial role during the interregnum. This can occur even if the new administrator has had a faculty role at the institution. Without a comprehensive orientation or mentorship, the interim administrator may find the role perplexing and question which tactics they need to exercise to meet the expectations of the university, faculty, and stakeholders. The following article depicts a paradigm that the interim chair may employ to achieve the goals of the institution and department. An amalgamation of leadership theories and concepts create a framework for the interim leader to employ as the search for a permanent replacement ensues. The interim chair may be able to apply some of the relevant theories and discover that there are a plethora of resources within the nursing community to assist the individual in creating a positive impact within the academic setting.