title: The experience of a new deanship for two Robert Wood Johnson Foundation executive nurse fellows.
abstract: With the graying of the professoriate, many deans in nursing are moving toward retirement, which provides an opportunity for emerging leaders to move into deanships. New deans move through predictable stages and enjoy a honeymoon, allowing for some mistakes that might not be tolerated later. Early wins are essential in addition to planned changes so as not to overwhelm faculty with change. It is critical to learn the new culture, identify leaders, perform a thorough assessment as the basis for a strategic plan, and be honest and transparent. The ability to mobilize a cohesive, functioning team is critical to success.
authors.affiliation: Miami Valley College of Nursing and Health, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA. Rosalie.mainous@wright.edu
authors.forename: Rosalie O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Mainous
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
mesh_terms: D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D005582:Foundations; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D017008:Negotiating; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000523:psychology*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012579:Schools, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*