The clinical credibility of nurse educators: time the debate was put to rest

The proverbial discussion surrounding the clinical credibility of nurse lecturers has almost become a preoccupation within the nursing literature and professional circles. It is not coincidental that it this has occurred alongside the cessation of hospital-based training and the associated reassignment of the responsibility for nurse education to institutes of higher education. This paper aims to put the debate to rest and proposes that the focus of the nurse lecturer should not be on establishing clinical credibility but on developing strong partnerships between academic and service areas. Such partnerships or communities of practice are more likely to facilitate high quality preparation of nursing students for future roles within a diverse and dynamic profession.