An Innovative Model Integrating an Academic-Practice Partnership in an RN-BSN Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Patient Care Outcomes

Background:

• Higher concentrations of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)-prepared registered nurses are linked to improved patient care outcomes.
• There is a need to increase the number of BSN-prepared nurses in the healthcare workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and outcomes of an academic-practice partnership aimed at expanding RN to BSN program capacity.
• To establish a sustainable and transferable model for RN-BSN program expansion.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a strategic academic-practice partnership between an academic institution and a practice partner.
• Development of an integration model for the RN-BSN program, including curricular revision and nurse leader faculty integration.
• Systematic approach to securing student clinical placements.

Main Results:

• Successful acceptance of all qualified applicants into the RN-BSN program.
• Guaranteed clinical placement for all participating students.
• Positive course evaluation ratings for faculty involved in the partnership.
• Creation of a sustainable and transferable program expansion model.

Conclusions:

• Academic-practice partnerships are effective in expanding BSN nursing programs.
• The developed integration model provides a scalable framework for increasing the BSN workforce.
• This collaborative approach enhances educational capacity and supports workforce development in nursing.