An Innovative Academic Practice Model for Clinical Nursing Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Administration
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented clinical demands on healthcare systems.
• Nursing students faced challenges in gaining essential clinical experience.
• There was a need for innovative solutions to support both healthcare facilities and nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an academic-nursing partnership between Columbia University School of Nursing and New York Presbyterian Hospital.
• To evaluate the impact of this partnership on nursing students' clinical preparedness and understanding of healthcare systems.
• To explore the creation of a pipeline for well-qualified graduate nurses during a public health crisis.

Main Methods:

• Established an academic-nursing partnership in March 2020.
• Hired Masters Direct Entry (MDE) students as nurse technicians.
• Facilitated student participation in patient care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Results:

• Created a pipeline of graduate nurses with enhanced adaptability to evolving practice environments.
• Students gained a practical understanding of healthcare organizational and leadership structures.
• The partnership addressed immediate clinical needs and supported the healthcare system.

Conclusions:

• Innovative academic-nursing partnerships can effectively address critical healthcare needs during pandemics.
• Student participation as nurse technicians fosters essential skills for future nursing practice.
• This model enhances nursing education and contributes to transforming healthcare delivery.