Statewide nursing articulation model design: politics or academics?

Designing statewide nursing articulation models is more about politics than it is about academics. Resolution of the articulation question lies in collaboration, establishment of trust, dialogue, and compromise that identifies a common ground tolerable for all stakeholders in the region or state. Achieving satisfactory articulation outcomes frequently involves negotiation of conflicts, assumptions, beliefs, goals, and sometimes program survival. This article reviews factors that influence the process of articulation model design, describes steps in the process, discusses issues essential for successful implementation, and briefly describes research evaluating the effectiveness of statewide or regional articulation models. The nursing profession continues to face many workforce issues and must engage in effective strategic planning to achieve an adequate workforce. One important strategy is to build a strong, flexible educational infrastructure that includes a quality, efficient statewide articulation that enhances educational mobility for nurses with diverse backgrounds and levels of preparation.