Joint appointment: an example of a cooperative effort between service and education

Joint appointments are not a new phenomenon. Such positions were implemented during the past two decades in an attempt to bridge the gap that exists between service and education. The uniqueness of the joint appointment position that was described in this article is the following: this particular appointment was between a community hospital and a community college; this joint appointee's primary job was as a clinical staff nurse at the hospital; different methods of salary administration were explored, with two levels of salary being developed; the joint appointee maintains salary and benefits from the hospital; and this joint appointee will function as a clinical preceptor to newly employed graduate nurses at the hospital during summer months. The literature has documented that the success of such appointments is dependent on the cooperation and the commitment of both parties. The concepts of joint appointments must also be supported fiscally, and individuals selected for such appointments must have expertise in carrying out dual roles. Experience with this joint appointment indicates continued collaboration. It is clear that a permanent bridge has been built between the two organizations.