An Academic and Clinical Practice Partnership Model: Collaboration Toward Baccalaureate Preparation of RNs

In response to the call for a baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce versed in enhanced critical thinking, clinical judgment, and complex decision making, an innovative and highly accessible model for developing academic and clinical practice partnerships among stake-holders in nursing education was developed and implemented.

Participatory action research informed the qualitative research methodology for implementing the model. The model allows for a number of data collection points to ensure the needs and concerns of stakeholders were considered.

Implementation of the model resulted in six new academic partnership agreements and two new clinical practice partnerships.

Academic and clinical practice partnerships are integral to fostering mutual respect among stakeholder institutions, enhancing collaboration toward evidence-based practice and joint research efforts, and creating seamless pathways to academic progression in the nursing profession. Such collaborative efforts are paramount to easing the barriers to baccalaureate and advanced-degree preparation in nursing. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(4):203-209.].