Building a Practice-Focused Academic-Practice Partnership

Abstract

A practice-focused academic-practice partnership merging the strengths and resources of 2 faith-based community organizations built evidence-based practice, nursing research, and innovative nursing programs. The unique partnership emphasizing quality care and patient outcomes resulted in hospital-acquired infection reduction, interventional research reducing readmissions, clinical redesign, increased percentage of bachelor's degree–prepared nurses, and dissemination through publication and presentation. Key elements to partnership success were shared mission and vision, program oversight, strong contract, and annual plans with specific measurable outcomes.

Practice scholarship satisfaction and impact as perceived by DNP-prepared nurses

“…Academic–practice partnerships that advance scholarship across the institutional missions will require strategic thinking regarding the nature of the relationships and the structures needed to facilitate partnerships (AACN, 2018). Studies stress the need to evaluate outcomes that result from academic–practice partnerships, increased nursing engagement in scholarship, and the establishment of EBP in nursing care (Dols et al, 2019; Peterson & Morris, 2019). There is also a significant opportunity to promote dissemination of DNP project findings and practice scholarship outcomes through joint publications between academic–practice partnerships.…”

Nurse mentored, student research in undergraduate nursing education to support evidence‐based practice: A pilot study

“…Research KAS is also enhanced through academic-practice partnerships. 7,15,33,39,40 Mentorship, particularly in the clinical context, is also seen as foundational to building and sustaining research KAS. 15,33,41 Another strategy is to thread the principles of EBP through all nursing theory and clinical courses while providing mentorship and support with application opportunities embedded throughout the curriculum.…”

The Academic-Practice Partnership

“…Some partnerships have reported advancing professional development, supporting evidence-based practice, and initiating research in the practice setting. 7,8 Successful partnerships benefit both the practice and academic partners. Programs have reported increased recruitment of students, faculty, and staff nurses, as well as increased retention of staff nurses.…”

“…5 Students have reported increased readiness for practice and more positive clinical experiences for both students and preceptors. 6,9,10 Partnerships have also led to cultural shifts by increasing percentages of baccalaureate-prepared nurses and the adoption of evidence-based practice and research initiatives in the practice environment as well as improved patient outcomes, 5,7 and can significantly decrease the costs associated with onboarding newly licensed registered nurses. 5 The purpose of this program was to develop an academic-practice Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, co-production to provide a seamless education to practice pathway for graduate nurses educated with quality and safety competencies and to meet the workforce demands of the health care system.…”

“…Comprehensive partnerships also can focus on innovation to develop nursing professional practice. Some partnerships have reported advancing professional development, supporting evidence-based practice, and initiating research in the practice setting 7,8…”