A rational approach to solving the problem of competition for undergraduate clinical sites

Five baccalaureate, three associate, and three practical nursing programs have partnered with clinical agencies to select clinical placements through the Clinical Placement Consortium (CPC). The process involves three face-to-face meetings each year coupled with the use of web technology for the overall plan of placement. The CPC system has attained several positive outcomes, including quality clinical experiences for all students, greater cooperation among schools of nursing, and the responsibility for clinical placements residing with education rather than with clinical agencies. The result is a true partnership in clinical site selection.