Hospitals and the educational institution: an innovative partnership for nursing specialty education

Rapid technological and economic change require that educational institutions respond efficiently and effectively to the needs of the health care industry. Nurses demand education that is accessible, affordable, and relevant, and demand recognition for educational achievement in terms of credentials and financial rewards. This article describes a partnership between British Columbia Institute of Technology (which is driven by and responds to industry) and The School of Health Science (which prepares nurses for specialty practice). The partnership permits a proactive relationship that utilizes the best qualities of both the health care and educational institutions. Although this alliance has been used extensively to prepare nurses for specialty areas, this partnership model could be implemented by a variety of institutions to meet educational needs in many health care professions.