Reshaping clinical nursing education: an academic-service partnership

The conceptualization and implementation of an academic-service partnership for a baccalaureate nursing program and a longitudinal program evaluation are described, based on an American Association of Colleges of Nursing publication, the vision and goals of the School of Nursing, and the construct of organizational socialization.

Abstract

This article describes the conceptualization and implementation of an academic-service partnership for a baccalaureate nursing program. The partnership began its fifth year in the fall of 2002; 107 students have entered the partnership since its inception. The partnership goals were to develop and implement clinical training experiences that teach students key skills for community-based practice settings, and to develop and evaluate an innovative and collaborative model for community-based clinical education. Students in the partnership have a unique opportunity for learning the art and science of nursing in a complex, integrated health care system with a strong emphasis on quality of environment, providers, and care delivery. A longitudinal program evaluation is underway, based on an American Association of Colleges of Nursing publication, the vision and goals of the School of Nursing, and the construct of organizational socialization.