Creating a Culture of Caring: A Shared Academic-Practice Clinical Curriculum

Preparation of nursing students has traditionally occurred in academic settings where faculty develop programs of study. Practice settings often find themselves investing in significant education and support as the new-graduate nurse transitions into the RN role.

A gap in preparation exists between academic and practice expectations for the generalist RN role.

Collaboration among academic and practice partners in the development of a core clinical curriculum, along with supporting content and learning activities, provides enriched clinical experiences that enhance readiness for the practicing role.

The Culture of Caring (COC) Model guides academic and practice partners as a teaching-learning framework for the preparation of nursing students.

The COC clinical curriculum bundles together supporting resources that include a handbook, workbook, faculty pocket guide, calendar, and nursing student cards used to foster the clinical experience.