Confronting anti-intellectualism: A call for reclaiming scholarship in academic nursing.

BACKGROUND

Anti-intellectualism-defined here as attitudes or practices that systematically devalue intellectual engagement, critical thinking, and scientific research--has research-has the potential to constrain the field of nursing from moving forward.

PURPOSE: We offer our perspective on the post-pandemic landscape and contemporary nursing pressures; the rise in for-profit nursing programs; threats to the doctoral pipeline; and the future of nursing science.

METHODS

This paper critically examines and integrates insights from scholarly research, popular press sources, and recent events.

DISCUSSION: In response to anti-intellectualism, nurses must be prepared to effectively uphold the importance of nursing science and education in order to advocate for their own professional interests and autonomy.

CONCLUSION

A call for reclaiming scholarship is essential to sustaining a strong, resilient nursing workforce that is well prepared well-prepared to meet the nation's healthcare health care needs.