Care for life: a faculty practice with a Lifecare community

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Geriatric Care
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• The need for innovative educational models in nursing is critical.
• Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer unique clinical learning environments.
• Bridging academic nursing and community practice presents opportunities for mutual growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a combined clinical faculty practice model.
• To highlight a partnership between a university school of nursing and a CCRC.
• To emphasize the synergistic relationship between clinical practice, research, and education.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a formal partnership between the University of Maryland, School of Nursing, and Roland Park Place.
• Implementation of a practice model that integrates faculty clinical work, research activities, and student educational experiences.
• Focus on fostering reciprocal relationships within the model.

Main Results:

• The model facilitates a dynamic interplay between clinical service delivery and academic pursuits.
• Students gain practical experience within a real-world geriatric care setting.
• Faculty engagement in clinical practice informs research and teaching.

Conclusions:

• The combined clinical faculty practice model effectively enhances nursing education and geriatric care.
• Partnerships between academic institutions and CCRCs are mutually beneficial.
• This model promotes a holistic approach to nursing, integrating practice, research, and education.