Promoting cardiovascular nursing practice and research: A model for a university joint appointment

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Academic-Clinical Integration
• Health Services Research

Background:

• University joint appointments enhance academic leadership continuity and accelerate nursing's impact on health outcomes.
• The role of nurse scientists with joint university and hospital appointments is gaining interest in academic, clinical, and professional nursing spheres.
• There is a need to study appointment models, responsibilities, and contributions to integrate this boundary-spanning role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the implementation of the first St. Paul's Hospital and Heart & Stroke Professorship in Cardiovascular Nursing at the University of British Columbia.
• To describe a novel model for a joint academic-clinical nursing professorship.

Main Methods:

• A co-created and co-funded model based on nursing recommendations to policymakers.
• The professorship is primarily hospital-located (75% focus on clinical research and leadership) with university appointment.
• Leveraged academic affiliation for research/teaching infrastructure and clinical integration for collaboration and resources.

Main Results:

• The model integrates academic and clinical settings, facilitating research and leadership.
• Deliverables include adjusted university performance indicators and a practice-focused research program.
• Prioritizes improved patient outcomes, multidisciplinary practice, and enhanced health service delivery.

Conclusions:

• Dual appointments offer mutual benefits to universities and hospitals, requiring leadership support and adapted success metrics.
• Ongoing evaluation is crucial for refining strategies to strengthen nurses' academic and clinical leadership.
• This model supports the advancement of cardiovascular nursing research and practice.