Assessing school readiness for a practice arrangement using decision tree methodology

Decision-tree methodology provides a systematic approach for schools to use in examining their own situation to determine if a faculty practice arrangement is appropriate for their particular school at this particular time. Questions in the decision tree address mission, faculty interest, administrative support, a practice plan, and practice models. Specific questions in the decision tree include the following: Does the institutional mission include service/practice? Does the college/school mission include practice? Does the college/school have a critical mass of faculty interested in practice? Does college/school administration support practice? Does a critical mass of faculty desire a faculty practice plan? Can faculty and administration work together to produce a mutually beneficial practice arrangement? Do faculty and administration desire to operate their own practice arrangement? Is there an identified need for nursing services that can be met by the college/school? Does the internal and external environment support the college/school operating a practice? Do internal or external organizations desire the talents/expertise of faculty members? Schools frequently evaluate two models, the Integration/Nursing Center Model and the Organizational Contracting/Entrepreneurship Model, for their specific risks and benefits. Critical to the success of any practice arrangement is that there be congruency between the school's allocation of human resources and its reward system.