Innovation in engaging hospital staff and university faculty in research

The purpose of this article was to describe an innovative faculty-staff engagement dinner that was conducted to enhance collaboration between university faculty and hospital staff. Specific steps used to develop the dinner, as well as outcomes gained, are discussed.

Collaborative relationships between academic and clinical nurses may promote nursing research and strengthen mutual interest. Unique stressors and demands of clinical and academic nursing often lead to isolated practice roles. Nursing may require new ways of facilitating collaboration between groups.

A dinner supported by a health system was planned for nursing staff interested in conducting research. Faculty at 2 local universities interested in collaborating with nursing staff were invited. Forty participants attended, including 8 faculty from 2 universities, 17 staff nurses, and 16 nurse leaders. Seven collaborative research projects were initiated following the dinner meeting.

Faculty and nursing staff partnerships were established and led to research projects that focused on themes of improving quality. Faculty and nursing staff expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to connect over shared research ideas.

Mechanisms for enhancing staff nurse and nurse faculty collaborative relationships are needed to promote nursing research that ensures evidence-based bedside practices. A dinner event was an innovative method to partner nurses at the bedside with faculty with expertise in research methods.