An Education-Service Partnership: Helping RNs Obtain Baccalaureate Degrees in Nursing at Their Practice Sites

Abstract

A partnership between nursing education and practice provides an opportunity for RNs to obtain baccalaureate degrees in their practice settings. The result is a flexible educational option that lowers cost and increases accessibility for students. The college and hospitals cooperate to meet nurses' desire to advance both educationally and professionally. Returning RNs attend liberal arts and nursing classes onsite at hospitals where all courses are taught by college faculty. Many RNs are at a crossroads and need additional education to further their career opportunities and stay abreast within a rapidly changing health care environment. To meet their needs, coursework involves active, cooperative learning processes in a climate where personal esteem is promoted and communication and collaboration are fostered. This approach can expand understanding among all parties so the future can bring new models to meet the needs of returning RNs in baccalaureate nursing programs.

Partnership working between a Higher Education Institution and NHS TRUSTS: developing an acute and critical care module

“…We tried to minimize these problems with regular mentor meetings and involving clinical staff in writing the competencies, and this has had some success. We believe we have demonstrated how good partnership working between academics and practitioners can benefit both institutions at a personal and organizational level (Eckhardt and Froehlich, 2004). The challenge is now focused on maintaining the initial enthusiasm and commitment, which is partly addressed through regular meetings with staff from the University and Trusts.…”

“…A number of additional benefits that we did not predict emerged. Relationships between the HEI and NHS Trusts have been strengthened at both strategic and operational levels (Eckhardt and Froehlich, 2004). The practitioners and academic staff were jointly involved in both the development and validation of the module, which has strengthened relationships and promoted a sense of ownership across the institutions.…”