Sustainable Academic-Clinical Alliance: A Model to Improve Academic-Practice Partnerships.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Partnerships
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Background:

• National nurse shortages and retirements challenge the preparation of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• Limited clinical sites hinder experiential learning for APRNs entering acute care.
• Traditional academic-practice partnerships face sustainability challenges like funding and competing priorities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand traditional academic-clinical partnerships with a novel collaborative model.
• To increase clinical practice sites and enhance APRN student readiness for independent practice.
• To establish a mutually beneficial alliance between academic institutions and healthcare systems.

Main Methods:

• Implemented the Sustainable Academic-Clinical Alliance (SACA) model, emphasizing intentional relationship building and transparency.
• Focused on measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability for both partners.
• Established an alliance between the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) and University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health System.

Main Results:

• Since July 2016, over 40 clinical providers offered 329 clinical and nonclinical experiences to UMSON APRN students.
• Over a 5-year period, 150 unique APRN students completed 257 clinical rotations.
• The SACA model facilitated access to diverse clinical areas and providers.

Conclusions:

• The SACA model effectively promotes sustainable academic-practice partnerships.
• Key components include intentional relationship building, transparency, outcome measurement, and sustainability.
• This model offers a blueprint for other institutions seeking to build lasting partnerships.